Husband of Trump Labor Secretary Barred from Department Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Shawn DeRemer, the husband of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who serves as Donald Trump's labor secretary, has reportedly been prohibited from entering the labor department's headquarters in Washington, D.C. This action follows allegations from at least two female staff members accusing him of sexual assault, as reported by major news outlets including the New York Times, Politico, and the Wall Street Journal.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
According to the reports, DeRemer is accused of inappropriately touching two women within the Frances Perkins Building, the main office of the labor department. One incident allegedly occurred during working hours in December and was captured on security cameras, with footage being reviewed as part of a criminal investigation. A police report obtained by the Guardian indicates that the Metropolitan Police Department received a complaint on January 24 regarding an incident on December 18, describing it as "sexual contact against her will." While the MPD did not confirm the suspect's name, Politico cited an unnamed source stating that security staff were instructed in late January to deny DeRemer entry to the building.
Denials and Broader Controversies
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, DeRemer vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "I have not done any of this, and I categorically deny these things. I will absolutely, categorically fight everything in this." The labor department has not provided an immediate comment on the matter. This scandal adds to a series of controversies surrounding Chavez-DeRemer, who was nominated to Trump's cabinet after losing her congressional seat in 2024. Recent issues include:
- A security officer assigned to protect her was placed on leave amid an investigation into an alleged romantic relationship.
- Two of her top aides were also placed on leave as the department's inspector general probed claims of drinking in the office during work hours and misuse of taxpayer funds for personal trips, including one to Las Vegas with a staffer allegedly involved in an inappropriate relationship.
The labor department and Chavez-DeRemer's attorney have denied these allegations. A biography on the department's website highlights that she and her husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, founded an anesthesia management company and several medical clinics in the Pacific Northwest.
