WASHINGTON — Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s top aides were placed on administrative leave amid an internal investigation into their involvement in the alleged fraudulent use of official travel for personal trips.
Department of Labor (DOL) Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito placed the secretary’s chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy chief of staff Rebecca Wright on leave, according to sources, following The Post’s bombshell report exposing the probe.
Sources noted that both Han and Wright were removed because of the power dynamics they held over other staff amid the investigation. Politico first reported on the move.
Chavez-DeRemer, 57, was accused in a complaint filed with the DOL’s Office of Inspector General in December of committing “travel fraud” by having the two aides “make up” official trips to locations where the secretary can spend personal time or visit with family and friends.
Those favored destinations included Oregon, where she hails from; Arizona, where her and her husband have a home; Michigan, where her daughter resides; and Las Vegas, Nevada, which she flew out to at least four times in 2025, according to the complaint and travel schedules.
Han and Wright did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A rep for the DOL OIG declined to comment.
Chavez-DeRemer was also accused in the complaint of “abusing her position” by pursuing an “inappropriate” relationship with a subordinate who was welcomed into her DC apartment as well as hotel room during trips last year, per sources and documents.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a Friday statement that the allegations in the complaint were “baseless.”
“These unsubstantiated allegations are categorically false,” added DOL spokesperson Courtney Parella in a statement on Friday.
“Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has complied with all ethics rules and Department policies and remains fully engaged in carrying out the Department’s work on behalf of this historic Administration,” Parella also said.
