Washington, 21 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving President Donald Trump's administration, the White House said on Monday, making her the third woman to do so in seven weeks.

Chavez-DeRemer is to take up a post in the private sector, White House communications director Steven Cheung said on X.

Her deputy, Keith Sonderling, is to lead the department's work until further notice, Cheung said.

Chavez-DeRemer has been under pressure for months over several investigations. According to reports by the Washington Post and other media, these include possible violations involving the use of budget funds and allegations of inappropriate conduct in office.

Oversight bodies are also reportedly looking into complaints about a problematic working environment at the department.

Three female employees described a hostile work environment in which staff faced retaliation, the New York Times and the New York Post reported.

Her husband was barred from the department following allegations of sexual misconduct towards employees, according to media reports.

Chavez-DeRemer rejected the allegations.

She had served as labor secretary since March 2025 and was previously a US representative for Oregon.

Her appointment was seen as unusual because she held relatively union-friendly positions compared with many Republicans.

Trump had dismissed his homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, in early March.

In early April, attorney general Pam Bondi, who had come under criticism over her handling of the Epstein case, was also forced to leave.

Photo: MIA archive