Internal Turmoil Grips Trump Administration
As tensions escalate within the Trump administration amid the deportation operations in Minneapolis, a key figure known for resilience faces potential ouster. Corey Lewandowski, a influential advisor in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reportedly orchestrated efforts to deflect blame from his superior, Kristi Noem, onto Stephen Miller, one of President Trump’s most trusted aides.
The conflict intensified following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an armed ICU nurse, by immigration agents during a confrontation in Minnesota. Initial statements from Noem suggested Pretti intended to ‘massacre’ officers, but officials later retracted these claims after evidence showed his firearm had been removed prior to the shooting.
Noem’s Attempt to Shift Blame
Noem directed responsibility toward Miller in comments to reporters, stating, ‘Everything I’ve done, I’ve done at the direction of the President and Stephen.’ Miller quickly responded with a public statement criticizing Border Patrol for faulty intelligence on the incident, while privately expressing frustration over Noem’s remarks.
Administration insiders indicate Lewandowski coordinated this strategy to protect Noem’s position, which indirectly safeguards his own role. One official noted, ‘That’s just something you don’t do. As a leader, if something comes out of your mouth, it doesn’t matter if somebody told you to say it. You should have verified it. You never blame other people or throw them under the bus.’
Another DHS source observed, ‘They are all trying to blame each other,’ but predicted Miller’s longstanding loyalty to Trump would prevail. ‘It’s not Noem, it’s Miller. Miller was there for the first administration. A lot of people call him Trump’s hatchet man, and what he says, Trump will go by.’
Lewandowski’s Precarious Position
Lewandowski serves as a ‘special government employee’ (SGE), allowing him to bypass financial disclosure requirements while acting as Noem’s de facto chief of staff. Aides close to Noem report he may soon depart DHS. Despite his history of surviving scandals, including his 2016 ouster as Trump’s campaign manager, insiders remain skeptical of his exit until confirmed.
One GOP operative described him as ‘like a cockroach; he just never goes away and always survives.’ Trump supported Noem via a late-night Truth Social post, claiming criticism targets her ‘because she is a woman, and has done a really GREAT JOB!’ However, sources suggest this situation differs markedly from past controversies.
Broader Power Struggles Within DHS
The administration has sidelined Noem and Lewandowski from the Minneapolis response, appointing border czar Tom Homan to lead operations. Homan announced a potential ‘draw down’ of enforcement if local officials cooperate, with Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott visibly backing him during the press conference.
Prior attempts by Noem and Lewandowski to remove Scott faced resistance from White House allies of Homan. A DHS official explained, ‘Noem’s always had something against Scott, but the only way she can retaliate is to shut down his requests,’ referencing a rejected office renovation proposal. The source added, ‘Rodney and Homan grew up together in the agency. They’re going to stick up for each other.’
The divide deepened last September when reports surfaced of Homan accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents in a 2024 sting operation. The Justice Department reportedly closed the probe after Trump’s inauguration. Insiders believe Lewandowski leaked these details, fueling a split into Team Noem and Team Homan factions.
Lewandowski has accused Homan of media leaks, including one about his demands for an ICE badge and gun. In response, he stated, ‘I don’t know how many times Tom Homan can pitch you the same story. He’s your source, not mine.’ The White House countered with a statement from spokeswoman Abigail Jackson: ‘Tom Homan is an American patriot who does not leak to the media and is very respectful of the White House’s press processes. The American people are grateful for Tom’s critical work securing the border and Making America Safe Again. He is an invaluable member of the Administration who is working tirelessly to implement the president’s agenda.’
Potential Cabinet Changes
Whispers of a DHS shakeup persist, with former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin emerging as a leading candidate to replace Noem. One official shared, ‘That’s been rumbling around for a couple weeks and that’s still in play,’ highlighting discreet discussions. Noem’s influence relies heavily on Lewandowski, who advised her during her time as South Dakota governor.
A DHS official warned, ‘He makes bad decisions, and he always wants to be with Kristi. That is going to be her downfall.’ Speculation points to Noem pursuing a 2026 Senate bid in South Dakota or laying groundwork for a 2028 presidential run as a possible soft landing. Meanwhile, Miller appears secure despite bipartisan criticism, with his wife Katie Miller stating, ‘The Miller camp does not talk to reporters. Full stop.’
