Statement on Labor Department IG Report

Greenblatt Credits DOL IG for Completing Investigation, Calls for Independent Oversight Free from Partisan Politics

Bethesda, MD, September 6, 2026 —  The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General has issued its report regarding the former Secretary of Labor. As The Washington Post reports, the DOL OIG investigation found that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a “toxic, intimidating and humiliating” workplace, misused government resources, and repeatedly violated department policies.

This report is good news for government oversight. I have been highly critical of DOL IG Anthony D’Esposito for his inappropriate political and partisan activity while serving as IG, especially his decision on August 14 to speak at a political rally and tell Americans that they must vote for a particular political party.

But I’ll always call balls and strikes fairly, and that means I will give credit where credit is due: D'Esposito did not terminate this investigation and he allowed the report to be published publicly. As a former ethics investigator, I know that the OIG investigators who conducted this sensitive and difficult inquiry deserve much credit for their work, especially as it played out in the public eye in real time.

I sincerely hope that IG D’Esposito will build on this work. Stay focused on rigorous, independent oversight. Follow the facts wherever they lead. Publish the findings without fear or favor. And leave partisan politics where it belongs — outside the Office of Inspector General.

Mark Lee Greenblatt is a former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior and Chair of the Council of Inspectors General, as well as the author of Valor: Unsung Heroes from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front (Rowman & Littlefield). More information about Greenblatt is available at www.markleegreenblatt.com.‍ ‍