Following President Donald Trump’s decision to remove Kristi Noem as head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, Corey Lewandowski is also expected to depart the agency as leadership shifts under a new nominee. Trump has selected Markwayne Mullin to take over as the next Homeland Security secretary, beginning a major transition within the department.
Lewandowski had been serving at DHS as an unpaid special government employee, a status that typically limits service to 130 workdays within a one-year period. Although he did not hold a Senate-confirmed title or formal executive office, many inside the department regarded him as one of the most influential figures during Noem’s tenure. Officials often described Lewandowski as functioning in a role similar to a chief of staff, with involvement in internal operations, personnel decisions, and day-to-day management matters. His influence reportedly extended into contract discussions and staffing decisions, despite his unofficial title. Questions surrounding Lewandowski’s role have intensified alongside long-running speculation about his personal relationship with Kristi Noem. Rumors of an affair between the two have circulated since before Trump’s second term began, though neither has publicly confirmed such claims. The subject resurfaced during a recent congressional hearing, where Noem faced direct questions while her husband was present. When asked why Trump reassigned Noem, Lewandowski declined to speculate. “I would never try to assume to get in the mind of President Trump,” he said, adding that Trump has consistently shown strong leadership and achieved significant results.
He was equally uncertain when discussing his own future, saying he had not yet decided whether he would remain involved with the department. A White House official, however, suggested there was little enthusiasm for his continued presence. Despite past setbacks—including his removal as Trump’s 2016 campaign manager—sources close to Trump’s political orbit believe Lewandowski remains resilient and capable of returning to influence again. Reports linking Noem and Lewandowski date back several years, including during her time as governor of South Dakota. Media reports have also noted that the two traveled together on multiple official overseas visits, including trips to Argentina, Bahrain, Guatemala, Poland, and Italy. Lewandowski’s position at DHS also drew scrutiny from lawmakers questioning how much authority a special government employee should wield without Senate confirmation. During Senate testimony this week, Noem stated that Lewandowski did not approve contracts, though some lawmakers challenged that account based on documents and reporting suggesting he had a larger role. When asked whether Noem’s congressional testimony contributed to her dismissal, Lewandowski again declined to speculate, saying he had no direct insight into the president’s decision.
