Labor Secretary’s Husband Barred From Department Premises After Reports of Sexual Assaults

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by Evan Gorelick and Rebecca Davis O’Brien

February 19, 2026

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The husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, has been banned from entering the department’s headquarters following allegations of sexual misconduct involving at least two female staff members. The women reported that DeRemer touched them inappropriately while visiting the agency’s Washington offices. Security footage from December 18, 2023, showed one incident where DeRemer embraced a woman for an extended period during working hours. These allegations were brought to light as part of an internal investigation by the Labor Department’s inspector general, which also looked into misconduct claims against Chavez-DeRemer and her senior staff. The Metropolitan Police Department has filed a report regarding forced sexual contact at the Labor Department in December. The police are currently investigating the matter through their sexual assault unit. DeRemer’s access to the building was restricted immediately after the allegations were raised, with security instructed to ask him to leave if he attempts entry. DeRemer, an anesthesiologist based in Portland, Oregon, frequently visited his wife’s Washington offices but declined to comment on the matter. The scandal has broader implications for the Labor Department, as it is already under investigation for alleged misconduct involving Chavez-DeRemer herself. These include claims of inappropriate relationships with subordinates, misuse of taxpayer funds for personal trips and entertainment, and fostering a toxic work environment that aligned with far-right ideologies. The inspector general’s office is probing these allegations, which could have significant consequences for the department’s leadership and reputation. This story highlights critical issues of workplace safety, accountability, and ethical governance. It underscores the challenges of maintaining professional standards within federal agencies, particularly when high-ranking officials are implicated

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/19/2026