Trump Cabinet Member Suddenly Fired

Summary

---

The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: "Trump Cabinet Member Suddenly Fired"
Date: April 21, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

Overview

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers deliver breaking news and an in-depth analysis regarding the firing of Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary, Laurie Chavez Darimer. The discussion combines energetic banter, pointed criticism, and a collection of revealing interview clips to unpack the scandal surrounding Chavez Darimer’s ouster, her previous political stances, and her performance as Secretary of Labor. The episode further speculates on the chaos inside the Trump cabinet and sets the stage for future firings.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Breaking News: Laurie Chavez Darimer Fired

[02:46 - 05:00]

• The hosts report “another cabinet member has been fired by Donald Trump…”, with Ben Meiselas emphasizing the climate of instability in Trump’s administration.
• Official line is that Chavez Darimer is leaving “to take a position in the private sector,” but the hosts are clear: “She was obviously forced out in my opinion.”
• Multiple scandals are detailed:
  • Investigation findings: Alleged relationship with a subordinate, potential travel fraud, drinking on the job, misuse of funds at strip clubs, and expensive vacations.
  • Husband’s conduct: Her husband allegedly barred from Labor Department premises after sexual assault allegations by staffers—one incident reportedly caught on tape.
  • Aides and workplace culture: Two top aides, Ji Won Han and Rebecca Wright, resigned amid allegations of hostile work environment and travel fraud.
  • The hosts note that Chavez Darimer denied all allegations and that an active criminal investigation is ongoing.

2. Trump Administration’s Spin vs. Reality

[05:00 - 06:50]

• Steven Chung, Trump’s Communications Director, portrayed Chavez Darimer’s tenure as a success: “She has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices...” ([06:34])
• The hosts, especially Ben, are quick to counter:

  “Of course, nothing that Steven Chung said is true. We saw job losses—manufacturing, construction—some of the worst numbers in history.”

• The show surfaces the disconnect between official White House communications and the economic reality under Chavez Darimer.

3. The Obsequiousness and Hypocrisy of Chavez Darimer

[06:50 - 09:15]

• Chavez Darimer’s public loyalty and sycophancy toward Trump are roasted.
• The hosts recall when Chavez Darimer adorned department buildings with Trump’s face on banners and would gush over him in meetings:
  • Notable Quote ([07:04]):

    Laurie Chavez Darimer: “Mr. President, I invite you to see your big beautiful face on a banner in front of the Department of Labor because you are really the transformational president...”

• The brothers highlight her rapid shift on policy positions to secure her job, focusing on her waffling over support for the PRO Act once under the microscope during the Senate confirmation process.

4. Chavez Darimer’s Shifting Positions on Labor Policy

Senate Hearing Highlights ([08:08 – 11:15])

• Rand Paul’s questioning exposes Chavez Darimer reversing her support on pivotal labor legislation:
  • Exchange ([08:08 – 09:10]):

    Rand Paul: “Do you still support the PRO Act?”
    Laurie Chavez Darimer: “I fully, fairly and support states who want to protect their right to work… Yes, sir.”

• Bernie Sanders underscores how American workers are disadvantaged and Chavez Darimer’s evasive answers:
  • Quote ([10:55]):

    Bernie Sanders: “I'm gathering that you no longer support the PRO Act, is what I hear, that you support the American worker. That's what everybody here will say. No.”

• The hosts use these clips to spotlight her political expedience and lack of genuine support for workers’ rights.

5. Media Appearances and Dodging Accountability

[11:15 - 15:08]

• The episode plays and deconstructs several media appearances in which Chavez Darimer tries to spin dismal jobs data and dodge accountability:
  • On Fox:
    • Quote ([11:44]):

      Laurie Chavez Darimer: “Yeah, I couldn't agree with you. I think we have to address the fact that this is not a good report in its raw numbers... But we have to also talk about why this possibly has happened... We're laser focused to make sure that we have that skilled workforce...”

  • Dismissal of poor data as a technicality or the fault of a Democratic shutdown:
    • Quote ([12:57]):

      Laurie Chavez Darimer: “Sometimes it's too late to get accurate data points... But again, because of the Democratic shutdown, we don't have that accurate data for them to make a good decision.”

  • On Maria Bartiromo’s show, Chavez Darimer again blames Democrats and dodges the underlying structural issues in labor statistics.

6. Political Background and Defeat

[15:08 - 15:36]

• Chavez Darimer’s prior loss in Oregon to Democratic Congresswoman Bynum, who, according to the hosts, “just destroyed Chavez Darimer in the debate.” The hosts play a campaign debate exchange:
  • Notable Moment ([15:25]):

    Interviewer: “Is that my opponent voted 26 times...”
    Laurie Chavez Darimer: “Cite it, baby. I will send it to you tonight.”

• This moment is used to illustrate Chavez Darimer’s brashness and lack of solid defense regarding her voting record.

7. What’s Next? Cabinet Chaos Continues

[15:36 - 15:50]

• The episode closes with speculation about further impending firings, citing figures like Kash Patel and Dan Driscoll as possible next casualties, with Ben saying:

  “Who’s next? You tell me who you think it’s going to be.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Commentary | |-----------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 07:04 | Laurie Chavez Darimer | “Mr. President, I invite you to see your big beautiful face on a banner in front of the Department of Labor...” | | 08:08 | Rand Paul / Chavez Darimer | “Do you still support the pro or don’t you support the pro act?” / “Yes, sir.” | | 10:55 | Bernie Sanders | “I'm gathering that you no longer support the Pro Act, is what I hear, that you support the American worker. No.” | | 11:44 | Laurie Chavez Darimer | “We have to address the fact that this is not a good report in its raw numbers... But we have to also talk about why…” | | 12:57 | Laurie Chavez Darimer | “Sometimes it's too late to get accurate data points... But again, because of the Democratic shutdown, we don't have that accurate data...” | | 15:25 | Interviewer / Chavez Darimer | “Is that my opponent voted 26 times... Cite it, baby. I will send it to you tonight.” |

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:46] – Breaking News: Chavez Darimer fired with scandal details
• [07:04] – Chavez Darimer’s groveling remarks about Trump
• [08:08 - 09:10] – Senate exchange with Rand Paul on the PRO Act
• [10:55 - 11:15] – Bernie Sanders grilling Chavez Darimer
• [11:44 - 14:08] – Chavez Darimer’s media spin on labor numbers
• [15:25] – Debate exchange: Bynum v. Chavez Darimer

---

Tone & Style

The MeidasTouch brothers employ their signature energetic and sarcastic tone, combining legal insight (Ben), media savvy (Brett), and pointed humor (Jordy). The conversation is irreverent but incisive, with a clear pro-democracy, anti-corruption stance and plenty of direct language when critiquing Trump officials.

---

Summary

This episode delivers a detailed post-mortem of Laurie Chavez Darimer’s tumultuous tenure and dramatic firing as Trump’s Labor Secretary. Through a mix of reporting, archival clips, and caustic commentary, the Meiselas brothers dissect her scandals, policy flip-flops, and performative loyalty to Trump. They place this cabinet shake-up in the broader context of a chaotic and scandal-plagued administration, leaving listeners with both sharp analysis and engaging banter.

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail]

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3

[Mint Mobile Terms Announcer]

month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

See full [e-mail] starting a business can seem like a daunting task unless you have a partner like Shopify. They have the tools you need to start and grow your business. From designing a website to marketing, to selling and beyond, Shopify can help with everything you need. There's a reason millions of companies like Mattel, Heinz and Allbirds continue to trust and use them. With Shopify on your side, turn your big business idea into Sign up for your $1 per month [e-mail] SpecialOffer

[Lowe's Home Care Plus Advertiser]

Introducing Home Care Plus, a new subscription service from Lowe's that helps make life easier by giving members a hand with home maintenance. Let Lowe's tackle the tasks you keep meaning to do, like electric dryer, vent cleaning, replacing hard to reach light bulbs and more. Subscribe to Home Care plus for just 99 a year and consider your to do list done. Members get more at Lowe's. Available in select zip code zone Cancel anytime non refundable fee Product purchase required. Terms and service restrictions apply. Details@lowe's.com Terms subject to change.

[Shopify Advertiser]

You didn't start a business just to keep the lights on. You're here to sell more today than yesterday. You're here to win. Lucky for you, Shopify built the best converting checkout on the planet, like the just one Tapping ridiculously fast acting sky high sales stacking champion at checkouts. That's the good stuff right there. So if your business is in it to win it, win with Shopify. Start your free trial [e-mail] win this

[Podcast Host]

podcast is sponsored by IQ Bar.

[Will (IQ Bar Creator)]

I've got good news and bad news. Here's the bad news. Most protein bars are packed with sugar and unpronounceable ingredients. The good news? There's a better option. I'm Will and I created IQ Bar Plant protein bars to empower doers like you with clean, delicious, low sugar, brain and body fuel. IQ bars are packed with 12 grams of protein, brain nutrients like magnesium and Lion's Mane and Zero Weird Stuff. And right now you can get 20% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping. Try our delicious IQ Bar Sampler Pack with seven plant protein bars, four hydration mixes and four enhanced coffee sticks. Clean ingredients, amazing taste and you'll love how you feel. Refuel smarter, hydrate harder, caffeinate larger with IQ Bar.

[Podcast Host]

Go to eatiq bar.com and enter code BAR20. To get 20% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping. Again, go to eatiqbar.com and enter code BAR 20. This just in. Donald Trump has fired another cabinet member Let me repeat, another cabinet member has been fired by Donald Trump. Labor Secretary Laurie Chavez Darimer has been fired by Donald Trump. The regime made an announcement moments ago. They said that she'll be working in a private sector job. You'll recall that she was under investigation for reportedly pursuing a relationship with a subordinate for potential travel fraud for potential drinking on the job. She denied these allegations. Also allegations that she would go to strip clubs and she would spend lots of money on these lavish vacations and in Vegas. Also, it was reported that her husband had been barred from entering the Labor Department headquarters after two female staffers accused him accused him of sexual assault inside the building, according to a New York Times report. One alleged incident was captured on a security camera, according to this report, although she and her husband did not denied it and was now apparently part of a criminal investigation. It should also be noted that two of her top aides had resigned based on this investigation. Labor Secretary or former Labor Secretary Now Chavez Darimer's top aides Ji Won Han and Rebecca Wright resigned based on this investigation into allegations that they created a hostile workplace and committed travel fraud with cabinet officials. They denied that. Here was a New York Post of all places, right wing propaganda paper New York Post reported that a investigation uncovered that Laurie Chavez Darimer's office booze stash and strip club visits with subordinates was a major, major issue that was being looked into and we had reported on the Midas Touch network after Palm after Pam Bondi was fired that Lori Chavez dreamer was likely to come next. We also were predicting that Cash Patel and potential others were going to be fired next. But Laurie Sh Chavez Darimer fired. They claim that she's resigning but she was obviously forced out in my opinion. Steven Chung, Donald Trump's communications director, posted the following message. Labor Secretary Laurie Chavez Darimer will be leaving the administration to take a position in the private sector. She has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their lives. Keith Sunderling will take on the role of Acting Secretary Carry of Labor. Of course, nothing that Steven Chung said is true. We saw job losses, manufacturing job losses, construction job losses, some of the worst job numbers in the history of the United States under Chavez Darimer and Donald Trump's tenure. And again, job report after job report was worse than the next. It didn't seem like Chavez Darimer knew this termination was coming. About four hours ago she was making social media posts talking about expanding apprenticeships, strengthening safety, building pathways to critical careers, which is just a bunch of BS because she's doing the opposite. But she made a post on social media four hours ago and you'll recall that Chavez Darimer was one of the biggest sycophants and bootlickers of Donald Trump. One of the least qualified people. And that's saying a lot on this cabinet of horrifically unqualified people. Remember, she was one of the first people who started draping Donald Trump's billboards on the build government buildings. The first big Donald Trump Stalin esque, Kim Jong Un esque billboard was on the Department of Labor building. And then she would give these various statements during the cabinet meetings about her obsequiousness to Donald Trump. It was very, very humiliating. Like remember this cabinet meeting appearance where Lori Chavez D Rimmer said your big beautiful face is all over our buildings. Remember how weird it was? Here, play this clip if you all

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

haven't stopped by the Department of Labor. Mr. President, I invite you to see your big beautiful face on a banner in front of the Department of Labor because you are really the transformational president

[Interviewer/Reporter]

of the American worker along with the

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

American flag and President Roosevelt.

[Podcast Host]

And I want to rewind a little bit about who Laurie Chavez Darimer is. She was a former congresswoman from Oregon, Republican. Of course, she claimed she supported workers when she was a Republican congresswoman. She claimed that she supported the PRO act, which was one of the most important pro union pieces of legislation out there, which all Republicans and Trump and MAGA definitely opposed because it strengthens unions. And she was a supporter of that, you know, which you could disagree with her on a lot of things, but she claimed to support the proact. But then during her confirmation hearing she wouldn't get confirmed unless she said she no longer supported the proact. So when she was cross examined by Rand Paul during her confirmation hearing back In February of 2025, she said she no longer supports the ProAct. Play this clip.

[Rand Paul]

Do you still support the pro or don't you support the pro act?

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Thank you, Senator Paul and I appreciated our meeting as well. I thought it was quite. What you shared with me is how important it is to you and your state. And I heard that from many members. The right to work is a fundamental tenet of labor laws where states have a right to choose if they want to be a right to work state. And that should be proact.

[Rand Paul]

We've overturned that.

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

That. Yes. Thank you, Senator. I signed on to the proact because I was representing Oregon's 5th district. But I also signed on to the pro act because I wanted to be at that table and have those conversations. But I fully, fairly and support states who want to protect their right to work. I have said that to every senator that I have visited.

[Rand Paul]

So you no longer support the aspect of the proact that would have overturned state right to work laws?

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Yeah, there were so many parts.

[Rand Paul]

I'd say that's a yes.

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Yes there. Yes, sir.

[Rand Paul]

No more questions.

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Thank you, Senator.

[Bernie Sanders]

With that, I go to Senator Murray

[Podcast Host]

and here's what she said during Bernie Sanders questioning of her during her confirmation hearing. Let's play it.

[Bernie Sanders]

You're not the congresswoman from Oregon anymore, right?

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Yes, sir.

[Bernie Sanders]

Okay. You're trying to become Secretary of Labor. Let me back up and say a word about what the PRO act is. I'm not sure that most Americans know what it is. The reality is that in America today, labor unions have the support of some 70% of the American people. You know why? Because people understand that the big corporations and their bosses have all the power. People understand that CEOs make 300 times more than their workers. And people say, you know what? The only way we're going to get decent wages and benefits is when we organize. Millions of people want to join unions, but they can't join unions. You know why? Because corporations day after day operate in illegal ways. They break the law. They say to somebody, you were late three years ago. You were a pro union. You were late three, you're fired. We're going to take you into a captive audience and for hour after hour, we're going to tell you how bad unions are. You want to join a union? Fine. You vote for a union, we're moving the plant to China. All of that stuff happens to be illegal. All of that stuff happens to be done every single day by corporate America. So let me go back to the original question. PROACT is designed to prevent illegal behavior on the part of corporate America. On the part of employers so that workers can make a free choice. Do you support the proactive?

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Thank you, ranking member Sanders. And I appreciate the conversation. I support the American worker. President Trump.

[Bernie Sanders]

Okay. I don't mean to be rude. We don't have a lot of time. I am gathering that you no longer support the pro act, is what I hear, that you support the American worker. That's what everybody here will say. No.

[Podcast Host]

Then you'll recall that you would go on state regime media, which calls itself Fox, and give these really embarrassing appearances like this one on Varney. Let's play this clip.

[Rand Paul]

Madam Secretary, 92,000 jobs out in February, fewer jobs in health care, fewer jobs for information services because of AI. The weather hurt things. Government employment down. If you add it all up, it doesn't look good for the Trump economy.

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Yeah, I couldn't agree with you. I think we have to address the fact that this is not a good report in its raw numbers. But we have to also talk about why this possibly has happened. This snapshot in time. It was mentioned the weather. We saw health care numbers go down. We saw a record strike In California, over 30,000 jobs lost there. But that has been resolved. So we're hoping to see those numbers tick back up next month. But Overall, we've gained 60,000 new jobs over the last two months. So this is important for us to recognize what the message is here, what the noise is and how focused the Labor Department is making sure that we can bring back those jobs in construction, manufacturing. We're seeing the confidence go up. We've seen the investments that the president has made. I've said it over and over again. The president and I talk, we visit on this often. It's important to him. We're laser focused to make sure that we have that skilled workforce. And it's just going to take some time. So we're recognizing what happened this month and we're going to stay laser focused to bring those jobs numbers up.

[Podcast Host]

Or here she is talking about the jobs data and saying, you know what, we just don't have good data at this point. That's the issue. So we're just going to make it up, basically. Play this clip.

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Yeah, you don't get that time back. That's exactly what I believe that you are saying. Sometimes it's too late to get accurate data points. And like I said, the household surveys were not able to be done and businesses submitted the passive information. So is it a little too late? It's similar to the Fed a little too late on these interest rate Drops. I'm looking forward to the December report on that, that they will again step up, as the president has oftentimes asked them to pay attention to. But again, because of the Democratic shutdown, we don't have that accurate data for them to make a good decision. But I believe that the Fed needs to cut the interest rates again in December to really prop up this economy that the president has been so forceful in by bringing the trillions of dollars by the Department of Labor, really looking at the skilled workforce. And now this is one more way for the Fed to help out the American people because of this Democratic shutdown, 43 days, going on 44. This is detrimental to the markets and to the American people.

[Podcast Host]

Or here's what she said to Maria Bartiroma. You could play this clip right here.

[Interviewer/Reporter]

But certainly in this administration and as a former member of Congress, for them to not see that they are hurting the American people, we've been on a momentum of job gains. We've been working so hard across the country to make sure that we are growing this economy and really having the workforce investments that we've been doing to only see it come to a screeching halt. While we're not going to get the jobs numbers report because they will not open this government, we want to keep the momentum going. That's been the goal as I've traversed this country. We're seeing consumer confidence up. We're seeing businesses want to reinvest in their workforce. And this is only, you know, a real screeching halt for the American people. And it's unfortunate that the Democrats don't see that, that they're fighting for the American people and they're going to pay well. I mean, you know, the data, though, you know where we are. I mean, we've had three months of slowing jobs. We know we don't have the numbers for September. But is there anything you could tell

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

us about the jobs picture today?

[Interviewer/Reporter]

Yeah, what we're seeing is the investments.

[Podcast Host]

I was and I'll just remind you that now Democratic Congresswoman Bynum, who we've had on the show a ton, was the one who ultimately replaced lo Chavez Darimer and just destroyed Chavez Darimer in the debate. I'll just remind you of what went down. Let's play this clip right here.

[Interviewer/Reporter]

Is that my opponent voted 26 times

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

to cut Social Security. Cite him.

[Interviewer/Reporter]

It's in the literature.

[Laurie Chavez Darimer]

Cite it, baby. I will send it to you tonight.

[Podcast Host]

So, folks, the big headline. Labor Secretary Laurie Chavez Darimer is out fired by Donald Trump they're claiming it's a resignation, but she's been fired. See you later. Who's next? Is the question, Is it going to be Cash Patel tell with the ridiculous lawsuit that he filed earlier today, Is it going to be a Dan Driscoll, you know, one of the army secretaries? Is it going to be, you know, you tell me who you think it's going to be. Put in the comments below. Who's next? Hit subscribe. Let's get to 7 million subscribers. Thanks for watching, everybody. Want to stay plugged in? Become a subscriber to our [e-mail] you'll get daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski, ad free episodes of our podcast and more exclusive content Only [e-mail]

[Mint Mobile Terms Announcer]

Mother's Day has a way of sneaking up on you. But when it does, 1-800-FLowers makes it easy to send mom something beautiful, thoughtful and worthy of everything she does. Right now with double blooms from 1-800-Flowers. Order one dozen roses and get another dozen for free. It's a bigger gesture with fresh, beautiful flowers arranged to make Mother's Day feel as special as she is. Make Mother's Day feel bigger with double blooms at 1-800-Flowers.com Spotify. That's 1-800-Flowers. Com Spotify.