Escalation: Jihun Han and Rebecca Wright resign

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s top two aides resigned. Chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy Rebecca Wright had been on administrative leave since mid-January. They were given 24 hours to resign after being told their positions had been terminated.

The department’s inspector general is examining whether the aides arranged official-looking events so Chavez-DeRemer could take taxpayer-funded personal trips. The inquiry also covers allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail, who has been on leave since January 16. Investigators have also reviewed claims that aides tried to steer Labor Department grants to political allies.

With Han and Wright out, the secretary loses her closest lieutenants while the misconduct investigation continues.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources