A secret meeting of senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials took place last year to discuss concerns about the relationship between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor, Corey Lewandowski and its potential impact on the agency.
Internal Concerns at DHS
The officials gathered as President Trump had promised a large-scale program of mass deportations, shifting DHS’s focus from its original post-9/11 mission of protecting the country from terrorist attacks. The officials were concerned Lewandowski—who had no prior experience in immigration enforcement—was quickly gaining power within the agency and could destabilize the department. The meeting lasted six hours.
According to reporting in the book, DHS is depicted as a dysfunctional agency tasked with carrying out an aggressive immigration crackdown. Lewandowski is described as being involved in nearly all aspects of the agency, including personnel decisions, contractor hiring, and the construction of detention facilities.
Both Noem and Lewandowski have denied a romantic relationship. Lewandowski told The Atlantic in October, “It’s bullshit.” A DHS spokesperson stated the department “doesn’t waste time with salacious, baseless gossip.”
Rumors and White House Reaction
Despite denials, the rumored affair has been widely discussed, appearing in political circles, tabloids like the Daily Mail, and The Wall Street Journal, which reported the pair frequently travel together on a private jet and that President Trump has inquired about the relationship. Unnamed officials quoted in Undue Process describe the alleged affair as common knowledge, with one Customs and Border Protection official stating, “They don’t hide it.”
When Noem attempted to appoint Lewandowski as her chief of staff, the White House vetoed the move. Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, reportedly opposed the appointment due to concerns about the relationship. Still, a White House official disputed this account, stating Miller has never discussed the rumors or expressed any opinions on them.
Lewandowski was ultimately hired as a “special government employee,” a designation that, according to Ainsley’s reporting, he appeared to disregard regarding perform-day limitations. He reportedly referred to himself as “chief adviser” to the secretary.
Lewandowski’s Background and Influence
Lewandowski previously served as Trump’s first campaign manager in 2015 and developed a reputation for “vindictiveness and bullying.” He was accused of making sexually suggestive comments and unwanted romantic advances toward female journalists during the 2016 campaign, allegations he denied at the time.
Lewandowski has used his position to advance Noem’s career, introducing her to key figures in Trump’s orbit and shaping her public image. Noem underwent a “physical transformation” and began traveling with a makeup artist, according to the reporting.
Noem reportedly considered a potential running mate for Trump in 2024, but her name was removed from consideration after she disclosed shooting her family dog in a memoir. Trump reportedly saw this detail as an asset when considering her for her current position.
While Noem focused on public appearances, Lewandowski reportedly accumulated “unchecked level of power” within DHS, creating a climate of fear among officials. He likewise took a heavy-handed approach to DHS contracts, requiring his and Noem’s approval for expenditures over $100,000, a significant increase from the previous $25 million threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the secret meeting at DHS?
Senior officials at DHS held a secret meeting to discuss the relationship between Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor, Corey Lewandowski, and its potential to destabilize the department.
What role did Stephen Miller play in the situation?
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, reportedly opposed Lewandowski’s appointment as Noem’s chief of staff due to concerns about their relationship, though a White House official disputed this account.
What is Lewandowski’s current role at DHS?
Lewandowski was hired as a “special government employee” and reportedly refers to himself as “chief adviser” to the secretary.
How might personal relationships within government impact policy and agency operations?
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