By Trendsetter Tribune 
WASHINGTON — Dr. Shawn DeRemer, the husband of U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has been officially barred from the Department of Labor (DOL) headquarters following allegations that he sexually assaulted at least two female staff members.
The ban, reported on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by The New York Times and The Guardian, follows a series of internal complaints that have plunged the department into a fresh wave of controversy.
The Allegations: “Forced Sexual Contact”
According to multiple reports and a police filing from December 2024, the allegations against Dr. DeRemer—a Portland-based anesthesiologist—involve incidents at the DOL’s Frances Perkins Building on Constitution Avenue.
- Security Footage: One incident, reportedly occurring on December 18, 2024, was captured on office security cameras. The footage allegedly shows Dr. DeRemer subjecting a female staffer to an “extended embrace” and inappropriate touching against her will.
- Metropolitan Police Investigation: A police report filed on January 24, 2026, details a complaint of “forced sexual contact.” While names are redacted, the dates and locations align with the internal reports against DeRemer. The MPD’s Sexual Assault Unit currently has an active investigation into the matter.
- The Ban: Following the reports, security staff were issued a formal notice: “If Mr. DeRemer attempts to enter, he is to be asked to leave.”
Dr. DeRemer’s Response
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Dr. DeRemer denied all wrongdoing.
“I have not done any of this, and I categorically deny these things. I will absolutely, categorically fight everything in this.” — Dr. Shawn DeRemer, Feb 19, 2026
A Department in Disarray
The scandal involving her husband is only the latest crisis for Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, who took office in March 2025. She is currently facing a separate Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation into her own conduct:
| Allegation | Details |
| Inappropriate Relationship | Accused of an extramarital affair with a member of her security detail. |
| Misuse of Taxpayer Funds | Allegedly used official funds to pay for personal vacations to Las Vegas and Portland. |
| Workplace Conduct | Accused of drinking alcohol in her office during work hours and forcing aides to run personal errands. |
| Stripped Club Visit | Reportedly took staff to a Portland strip club during an official trip in April 2025. |
Political Consequences
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican Congresswoman from Oregon, has seen several of her top aides—including her Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff—placed on administrative leave as the investigations continue.
While the President has not yet commented on the specific allegations against Dr. DeRemer, he has previously defended the Secretary against “political” attacks from Oregon Democrats. However, the combination of criminal assault investigations and ethics violations is creating significant pressure from both sides of the aisle for her resignation.