Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump's labor secretary, has resigned from her position. The departure comes as an internal investigation into alleged professional misconduct was underway.
Chavez-DeRemer is the third Cabinet member to leave the Trump administration during its second term.
Her exit follows reports that began surfacing in January regarding the probe. Keith Sonderling, the current deputy labor secretary, is expected to assume the role of acting labor secretary.
The White House confirmed Chavez-DeRemer's departure, with Communications Director Steven Cheung stating it was a personal decision. The Labor Department's inspector general was reportedly conducting the investigation into potential misconduct.
Several aides to Chavez-DeRemer had previously departed. Her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff had been on leave since January and resigned in early March. Another aide resigned later in March.
Read More: Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Resigns After Ethics Probe
Allegations and Departures
Reports have detailed various allegations leveled against Chavez-DeRemer. These include claims of abusing her position's power, an alleged affair with a subordinate, and consuming alcohol while on duty. Other reports have suggested her aides sought to direct grants towards politically connected individuals.
Chavez-DeRemer's tenure also saw the Labor Department announce significant deregulatory efforts, aiming to revise or eliminate over 60 workplace regulations deemed obsolete.
Cabinet Turnover
Chavez-DeRemer's resignation places her alongside two other high-profile Cabinet departures in recent weeks. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired in March, and Attorney General Pam Bondi also left her post earlier this month, reportedly amid frustrations over leadership and handling of specific files.
Chavez-DeRemer, previously a Republican congresswoman from Oregon, is the daughter of a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union. Her departure was first reported by the news outlet NOTUS.
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