Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski have grown closer despite increasing concerns within the White House about the nature of their relationship.
While the pair’s professional ties have taken a more formal route, some troubling optics remain for top White House officials.
Corey Lewandowski’s New Role at DHS
In a surprising turn, Lewandowski has started working under Noem at the Department of Homeland Security as a “special government employee,” according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
This new role follows a more formal push by Lewandowski to serve as Noem’s chief of staff, though sources close to the situation note that President Donald Trump and his advisors weren’t entirely comfortable with the public implications of such a close partnership.
To sidestep any potential controversy, Lewandowski’s position was adjusted, making him a special government employee rather than an official staff member.
Unveiling Their Clandestine Past
The relationship between Noem and Lewandowski has been the subject of speculation for years.
In 2023, DailyMail.com revealed that they had been involved in a secretive romantic relationship since 2019.
Both Noem and Lewandowski have publicly denied these claims, continuing to maintain their respective marriages.
Despite their denials, their constant proximity during Trump’s 2024 campaign and media reports hinted at the strain this closeness was putting on Noem’s potential political future, especially regarding her chances of being selected as Trump’s vice president.
The Vice Presidential Controversy
Noem’s relationship with Lewandowski, according to political insiders, was seen as a major distraction for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Axios’s Alex Isenstadt pointed out in his book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power that Trump’s aides were wary of how this relationship might impact Noem’s candidacy.
However, the vice-presidential speculation ended abruptly when Noem was involved in a separate scandal regarding the shooting of her dog, which led to her removal from the vice-presidential shortlist.
Lewandowski’s Role in Noem’s DHS Appointment
After Noem lost out on the vice-presidential spot, she found a new path forward with Trump’s endorsement to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Reports now suggest that Lewandowski played a significant role in helping Noem secure this position.
With her focus on immigration, Noem’s appointment to DHS is seen as a way for her to bolster her political resume ahead of any future presidential ambitions, especially for 2028.
A Constant Presence in Noem’s DHS Leadership
Since taking office, Noem has been closely accompanied by Lewandowski, leading to rumors that he has become an unofficial advisor or even a “shadow secretary” of sorts.
Sources within the DHS claim that Lewandowski often attends meetings with Noem, including international trips to places like El Salvador, Mexico, and Colombia.
This frequent presence has raised eyebrows, with some employees even referring to Lewandowski as the de facto chief of staff, a role that has remained vacant officially.
Tensions Inside DHS
Recent reports have raised concerns about Lewandowski’s influence within DHS.
During a visit to tech company Palantir, Lewandowski reportedly pushed for the firing of an immigration official after the person briefly turned their back on Noem during a tour.
While DHS denies this specific incident, sources claim that the official was later demoted.
A DHS spokesperson has called such reports “baseless gossip” and defended Lewandowski’s role, stating that he serves as a volunteer in a capacity supporting the Trump administration’s goals.
Defending Their Professionalism
Despite ongoing speculation about their personal relationship, the DHS spokesperson rejected concerns about Lewandowski’s involvement in the selection process for Noem’s position.
The spokesperson emphasized that Noem’s appointment was entirely Trump’s decision and that Lewandowski’s presence was purely for professional reasons, driven by his dedication to national security.
As for the ongoing rumors about their relationship, the spokesperson added, “This Department doesn’t waste time with salacious, baseless gossip.”
Lewandowski Remains Silent
Despite repeated requests for comment, Lewandowski has not publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his involvement in Noem’s DHS leadership.
His silence, combined with Noem’s continued denials, leaves many questions about the nature of their relationship unanswered, further fueling public and political intrigue.