On April 20, 2026, the White House confirmed that Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving her position in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet. The departure follows a series of allegations regarding the abuse of her official position, including reports of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and the consumption of alcohol while on duty. White House communications director Steven Cheung announced the move via the social media platform X, stating that Chavez-DeRemer would be transitioning to a role in the private sector.
Keith Sonderling, who has served as the deputy labor secretary, has been named acting labor secretary effective immediately. Unlike previous high-level departures in this administration, the announcement was made by a staff member rather than the president himself. In a statement released on social media, Chavez-DeRemer did not directly address the allegations but expressed pride in her tenure, citing progress in bridging the gap between business and labor and prioritizing the American worker. Cheung’s official statement praised her work in enacting labor practices and workforce development.
Chavez-DeRemer’s exit marks the third major vacancy in the Trump Cabinet within a sixty-day window. Her departure follows the March dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier in April. This turnover comes at a critical juncture for the Department of Labor, which oversees federal labor laws, occupational safety, and unemployment insurance benefits. The department is currently tasked with implementing several executive orders aimed at deregulating labor markets and expanding vocational training programs.
The Department of Labor manages a multi-billion dollar budget and regulates the relationship between millions of American workers and their employers. The transition to acting leadership under Sonderling occurs as the administration continues its economic agenda, which emphasizes domestic manufacturing and trade protections. Sonderling, a former commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, brings a background in employment law and regulatory compliance to the acting role.
The rapid succession of Cabinet departures has drawn attention from congressional oversight committees. While the White House has framed these changes as routine transitions to the private sector, the specific allegations surrounding Chavez-DeRemer’s conduct may prompt further internal reviews. The administration has not yet announced a permanent nominee for the position, which will require Senate confirmation. Until then, the Department of Labor will continue its operations under the acting secretary, focusing on the enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the administration’s ongoing labor-management initiatives.