Trump Labor Secretary Accused of Using Government Funds for Her Own Birthday Party
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is facing an internal investigation after reports surfaced that taxpayer-funded resources were used to host what staff described as a birthday celebration for the cabinet official inside the Department of Labor’s headquarters.
According to reporting by The New York Times, the event took place last year shortly after Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as labor secretary. Initially planned as a birthday celebration inside the Frances Perkins Building, staff reportedly grew concerned about using department funds for a personal party.
To avoid scrutiny, the event was reportedly renamed a “swearing-in celebration.”
The gathering went ahead with dozens of political appointees in attendance. Guests reportedly sang “Happy Birthday” to Chavez-DeRemer, who then blew out candles on a birthday cake during the event.
Following the party, her chief of staff, Jihun Han, circulated a memo to department employees warning of “serious legal consequences” for anyone who spoke with the press about the celebration.
Weeks later, Chavez-DeRemer denied the event during testimony before the House Appropriations Committee, stating, “I did not have a birthday party.”
However, The New York Times later obtained a photograph from an attendee showing Chavez-DeRemer blowing out candles on a birthday cake during the gathering.
The incident is now part of a broader investigation by the Department of Labor’s inspector general, former Republican Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, into allegations that Chavez-DeRemer misused department funds for personal travel and other activities.
According to the report, the secretary has spent significant time traveling while Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling has handled much of the department’s day-to-day operations.
The investigation has already resulted in personnel changes. Chief of Staff Jihun Han and Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Wright have reportedly been placed on leave as the inquiry continues.
Additional controversy has also emerged around Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, who has reportedly been barred from the Labor Department’s headquarters following allegations that he sexually harassed female staff members.
Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination by President Donald Trump was initially controversial, with some Republicans viewing the former Oregon congresswoman as too supportive of organized labor. Now, the growing list of allegations has placed the labor secretary under intense scrutiny as investigators examine whether federal resources were improperly used for personal benefit.
