Rumors about one of Donald Trump's Cabinet picks have unleashed a firestorm of debate that has everyone from D.C. insiders to grassroots conservatives buzzing.
Trump’s choice of Kristi Noem for the Department of Homeland Security, despite her absence from the presidential transition team’s candidate list, allegedly stems from her rumored affair with close presidential advisor Corey Lewandowski, said to date back to 2019, as the Daily Mail reports. A new book from Jonathan Karl claims that their relationship, an open secret among White House staff and GOP lobbyists, influenced the high-stakes appointment. Both Noem and Lewandowski, married to others, have denied these allegations.
Noem, a four-term congresswoman and South Dakota’s governor since 2018, campaigned on “family values” and “traditional marriage.” Her public persona as a defender of the “God-given union between one man and one woman” clashes with the rumored affair. The contradiction has raised eyebrows among conservative supporters who prize moral consistency.
Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager fired in 2016 at the behest of Jared and Ivanka Kushner, reemerged as a key advisor. By 2020, he and Noem were reportedly inseparable on the campaign trail, spotted together at events like a 2019 deep-sea fishing trip hosted by billionaire Foster Friess. Their week-long trip during a South Dakota snowstorm that October further fueled speculation.
“I did it for Corey. It’s the only thing Corey asked me for,” Trump reportedly said, per Karl’s book. This quote suggests a troubling prioritization of personal favors over national security. Loyalty to advisors shouldn’t trump competence in a role overseeing the Secret Service and border protection.
Lewandowski’s influence extends beyond the appointment, as he now advises DHS as a special government employee, acting as Noem’s unofficial chief of staff. A DHS spokesperson defended his role, stating, “Like Elon Musk and so many other patriots, Mr. Lewandowski volunteers his time as a special government employee (SGE) to help President Trump Make America Great Again.” Yet, this unpaid status does little to quell concerns about his outsized sway.
DHS Chief Security Officer Richard McComb raised alarms about Lewandowski’s top-secret clearance in September, citing financial ties to China and Israel. McComb’s memo listed over a dozen issues, including Lewandowski’s involvement in an active criminal investigation. His swift exit from DHS after nearly a decade of service suggests a troubling purge of dissenters.
Lewandowski’s history includes a 2016 arrest for manhandling reporter Michelle Fields, though charges were dropped. In 2017, singer Joy Villa accused him of sexual assault at the Trump International Hotel, alleging he “smacked my ass really hard ... almost violent in nature.” Villa later forgave him, citing her faith, but the incident adds to his controversial record.
Noem’s qualifications for DHS have also drawn fire. Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist, called her a national security risk, exclaiming, “She’s never been in law enforcement!” His blunt critique underscores the unease among some conservatives about her readiness to tackle the global war on terror.
Bannon further lambasted Lewandowski’s influence, warning, “This motherf**ker asked for somebody who’s obviously unqualified -- and it’s dangerous.” His colorful language reflects the frustration of those who see Noem’s appointment as a reckless favor. The DHS role demands expertise, not political payoffs.
An unnamed defense contractor described Lewandowski as a loose cannon, noting, “Corey was always running his mouth off, and after a few drinks you could see the pin starting to fall out of the grenade.” Such volatility raises questions about his fitness to advise on sensitive security matters. Yet, Trump welcomed him back to the campaign in August, alongside veterans like Taylor Budowich and Tim Murtaugh.
Noem’s defenders, however, point to results. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, “President Trump selected the best and most qualified individuals to serve in his cabinet and work on behalf of the American people.” She touted DHS successes under Noem, including a secure border and deportations, but critics argue these reflect Trump’s directives, not Noem’s expertise.
The rumored affair may have cost Noem a shot at being Trump’s running mate, according to Alex Isenstadt’s book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power. Her absence from the vice-presidential shortlist suggests even Trump recognized the political liability. Personal scandals shouldn’t dictate policy, but they clearly shape perceptions.
Lewandowski, married to 9/11 widow Alison Hardy since 2005, faced prior affair allegations with campaign press secretary Hope Hicks. These recurring rumors paint a picture of a man whose personal conduct invites scrutiny. His presence at Trump’s debate with President Joe Biden in Atlanta only amplifies his influence.
The Noem-Lewandowski saga reveals a troubling intersection of personal loyalty and public duty. Conservatives champion competence and integrity, yet this appointment risks undermining both. As Trump’s team navigates these choppy waters, the question remains: will principle or politics prevail?
