Labor Dept. probes texts from Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's family and staff

The Labor Department is investigating text messages among Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s family and staff that instructed employees to 'pay attention' to the Secretary’s husband and father, the New York Times reported on April 15, 2026. The messages include instructions attributed to Chavez-DeRemer and to a former deputy chief of staff telling 'some of the young women' to watch those men. Labor Department internal investigators opened a formal inquiry and are reviewing the texts and related communications. Investigators are examining whether the messages violated department policies or federal workplace rules, which could lead to disciplinary action.