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In a scenario that seems to defy the norm, whispers of infidelity have emerged involving a prominent figure within the Trump administration. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, serving as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Labor, finds herself at the center of a scandal. Allegations have surfaced suggesting she engaged in an extramarital affair with none other than an employee, sparking an impending investigation.
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The rumors about Chavez-DeRemer’s alleged affair began circulating in January 2026, following a report by the New York Post. The report claimed that an internal investigation was launched after a whistleblower provided the department’s inspector general with a series of allegations. These included claims that Chavez-DeRemer had secretive meetings with her supposed paramour at her Washington, D.C. residence in September 2025, both times discreetly dismissing her security detail beforehand. Additionally, the whistleblower alleged that the pair’s escapades extended to Las Vegas, where their interactions were far from professional.
Further revelations came two weeks later, when The New York Times disclosed that the alleged affair involved a member of her security team, who was subsequently placed on leave amid the investigation. A spokesperson for the Labor Department refrained from commenting on the ongoing probe, a stance echoed by Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney, who insisted her silence should not imply guilt. As for the security officer, he remained tight-lipped, stating to the New York Post, “I got lawyers, so I’m not gonna talk to you. I have nothing to say.” The situation is certainly unfolding with dramatic flair.
While the security team member involved in the allegations has been put on leave pending the investigation, he is not alone. In January 2026, Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, were also placed on leave. By early March, both had resigned, a move that suggests their departures were less than voluntary.
According to the New York Post, following their resignations, Han and Wright faced accusations of fostering a toxic work environment within the department. They were also scrutinized for allegedly organizing Chavez-DeRemer’s travel to locations under false pretenses of work-related trips, which conveniently coincided with personal interests. The Post further reported that Han and Wright were implicated in efforts to cover up the alleged affair, with Han purportedly instructing staff to “leave it alone.” Previously, Chavez-DeRemer herself was reported to have given such instructions to Han, though it remains unclear if Han merely echoed his former superior’s directives to his own team.
Lori Chavez-Deremer’s department is Scandal Central
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Like we said, Chavez-DeRemer’s security guard/rumored affair partner was put on leave while the Department of Labor investigated — but he’s not alone. Her chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, were also put on leave in January 2026, and in early March, both resigned. “Resigned” being a nice way to say they were told to leave their posts ASAP.
As the New York Post reported after the resignations, Han and Wright were accused of turning the department into a toxic workplace. They were also investigated for having allegedly found ways for Chavez-DeRemer to travel to places where she wanted to vacation or her loved ones lived, under the guise of being work trips. The Post also reported that they were accused of finding ways to keep the secretary’s alleged affair quiet, and that Han told employees to “leave it alone.” In the outlet’s previous report, that line had been ascribed to Chavez-DeRemer, who was alleged to have said it to Han. It’s not clear if Han parroted his (now-former) boss’ words to his own subordinates.
Fake work travel and the rumored affair aren’t the only scandals surrounding the Department of Labor under Chavez-DeRemer. Other not-so-savory details include allegations that the secretary drinks alcohol in-office during work hours and that she’d gone to a strip club with employees during a work trip. FWIW, Chavez-DeRemer’s husband has said he doesn’t believe any of the accusations (so maybe thet’re not among the MAGA couples most likely to split in 2026). Shawn DeRemer has had some scandals of his own, though, and was even banned from the department after staffers accused him of sexual assault. He wasn’t charged, but we’re not sure there are enough “Yikes” to go around.