IG report finds toxic climate and ethics breaches around ex-Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer

An 44-page Labor Department inspector general report accuses former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer of violating department policies by creating a hostile work environment, misusing government funds for personal travel, accepting unreported gifts, and directing staff to perform personal tasks. It also details an inappropriate relationship with a security detail member and an off-the-record stop on a personal trip to Oregon involving partially nude dancers. The IG did not determine the conduct met federal discrimination standards, and Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April; her lawyer says there was no legal wrongdoing, and the Labor Department did not immediately comment.