Watchdog finds toxic culture and travel spending during ex-Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's tenure

A government watchdog’s 40-page inspector general report depicts a toxic, intimidating environment in the Labor Department during former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s roughly one-year tenure, including allegations she drank on the job, had an inappropriate relationship with a security aide, and steered department funds to personal travel (with lodging costs far exceeding standard rates) while failing to document gifts; Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney says the report does not show legal violations, several staff faced leave or resignation during the investigation, and an acting secretary now leads the department.