Lori Chavez-DeRemer Resigns as Labor Secretary Amid Ethics Scandal

Former Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned amid an internal investigation into her conduct, marking another high-profile exit from the Trump administration.

Former Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer departs a Women's History Month event in the East Room of the White House on March 12, 2026. | Al Drago/Getty Images

Allegations and Misconduct

Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation follows allegations of serious misconduct, including:

• Instructing staff to purchase bottles of sauvignon blanc on work trips
• Stashing liquor in her office
• Encouraging young female staffers to “pay attention” to her father and husband
• Having an affair with a member of her security detail
• Arranging work travel to visit family and friends

The term “sauvi B”, which Chavez-DeRemer reportedly used casually during the workday, became a notable part of her tenure.

Trump Administration’s High Turnover Rate

Chavez-DeRemer’s departure is the latest in a string of high-profile exits from the Trump administration. In the past eight weeks alone, three Cabinet-level officials have resigned or been forced out:

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was ousted over a $220 million border security ad campaign that prominently featured her, among other controversies.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired due to her handling of the Epstein files and failure to prosecute Trump’s political enemies.

Broader Staff Turnover Trends

According to the Brookings Institution, roughly a third of Trump’s “A Team” — the highest-ranking staffers in the Executive Office of the President — have left the White House since January 2025. Of those, 22 resigned or were pressured to do so, while eight were promoted to other positions.

This turnover rate represents a marked improvement from Trump’s first term, when 92% of his “A Team” staff left, and 14 Cabinet members departed. Notable figures from Trump’s first term include Rick Perry, Betsy DeVos, and Rex Tillerson, many of whom have since become critics of the president.

By comparison, the average turnover rate for executive staff in a president’s first year is just 10%.

Why Has Turnover Improved in Trump’s Second Term?

The reasons behind the improved stability in Trump’s second term remain unclear. While the president has not chosen better-qualified candidates, the reduced turnover may reflect a more disciplined approach to staffing or a shift in priorities.

Regardless, the administration continues to face scrutiny over its high turnover rate, which remains significantly higher than the historical average.