President Donald Trump faced an awkward question aboard Air Force One regarding the close personal relationship between Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and aide Corey Lewandowski.
The Air Force One Exchange
A reporter referenced recent reports, including a Wall Street Journal article noting that Noem and Lewandowski make little effort to conceal their ties within DHS. The question posed whether this presents a poor image for the administration and inquired about Noem’s future in the role.
Trump responded, “I don’t know about that. I mean, I haven’t heard that. I’ll find out about it. But I have not heard that.” He quickly shifted to discussing his State of the Union address amid a partial government shutdown, avoiding any comment on Noem’s position.
Evidence of Trump’s Awareness
Reports indicate Trump possesses knowledge of the rumors. The Wall Street Journal revealed that he rejected appointing Lewandowski as Noem’s chief of staff due to prior coverage of their alleged extramarital affair, which both Noem and Lewandowski deny.
Lewandowski currently serves DHS as a special government employee. In Alex Isenstadt’s 2024 campaign book Revenge, Trump is described as aware of the gossip. Isenstadt writes that Trump called Noem Lewandowski’s “girlfriend” and remarked mischievously, “Lewandowski knew how to bat out of his league.”
Aides reportedly viewed Noem’s connection to Lewandowski as a major distraction, influencing Trump’s decision against selecting her as vice presidential running mate. This choice was further shaped by Noem’s memoir account of shooting her dog, Cricket.
Recent DHS Controversies
Noem faces criticism following incidents where DHS operations resulted in the deaths of two American citizens during immigration raids in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She and Lewandowski oversee extensive staff changes, sparking claims of internal chaos.
One episode detailed in the Journal involved a Coast Guard pilot fired and required to fly commercially home after failing to transfer Noem’s blanket to a replacement aircraft during maintenance.
Lewandowski reportedly pushed for a federally approved firearm, making it a condition for a top ICE director candidate.
Lewandowski’s Background
Lewandowski managed Trump’s 2016 campaign until his dismissal post-primaries. He remained influential, rejoining briefly for the 2024 effort under advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita.
Trump shows no indication of removing Noem or Lewandowski from their roles despite ongoing scrutiny.
