Who Is Corey Lewandowski? Romance Rumours With Kristi Noem Rock Homeland Security

Corey Lewandowski, once known as Donald Trump's fiery campaign manager, is now stirring fresh controversy amid claims he's wielding outsized influence at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — despite holding no official senior role. His close relationship with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has raised ethical questions and reignited long-standing romance rumours.

While formally listed as a 'special government employee' — a short-term advisory role — internal memos and DHS documentation have referred to Lewandowski as Noem's 'chief adviser' or even 'chief of staff.' Multiple senior officials within the department now claim he functions as the de facto head, allegedly using intimidation and backdoor manoeuvres to shape policy and personnel.

Who Is Corey Lewandowski?

Lewandowski, now 51, is best known for his role as Trump's first campaign manager during his 2016 election run. However, he was relieved of the position during the campaign amid internal conflict.

Notably, he's been involved in multiple issues related to inappropriate behaviour. This includes two instances of sexual harassment claims in 2017 and 2021, respectively.

The latter incident saw him charged with misdemeanour battery, which was dismissed due to his fulfilment of a plea agreement. There's also his mishandling of a protester, grabbing him by the collar on 19 March 2016 during a campaign event.

Despite these, he has been a familiar face in conservative politics. He has appeared on news networks as a political commentator for One America News Network (OANN) and Fox News.

On 15 August 2024, he was named, along with four others, as a senior adviser to the Trump campaign. By 8 April 2025, he would accompany Kristi Noem, now DHS Secretary, to an immigration raid.

He introduced himself as 'chief of staff', with the DHS clarifying that he is an adviser and an SGE. One of his recent public appearances saw him prevent US Senator Alex Padilla from being detained on 12 June 2025.

Lewandowski's Growing Influence

A report noted that Lewandowski is building his influence within the DHS. Multiple officials have raised their concerns about his involvement in DHS matters, despite having no formal role.

'He's the de facto chief of staff in the department. Everyone is terrified of him because he has almost singular authority to fire people,' a source told CNN.

Sources claim Lewandowski is acting as a behind-the-scenes political power broker. This was evident when he was pitted against Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton.

The atmosphere at FEMA grew increasingly tense, with Lewandowski intending to dismantle it. At one point, Lewandowski ordered staff to administer a polygraph test to employees, including Hamilton.

He was then unceremoniously fired, hours before testifying in Congress about his unwillingness to support the elimination of FEMA. Multiple sources reported that Lewandowski had been planning to remove Hamilton from his position for weeks.

Kristi Noem and The Romance Rumours

Speculation around Lewandowski's relationship with Kristi Noem dates back to September 2021, when reports emerged of an alleged affair during her tenure as South Dakota governor. Noem dismissed the claims, saying such rumours were rooted in sexist assumptions that women couldn't rise without a man's support.

Yet by 2023, the gossip returned with renewed vigour, with sources alleging the two were seen being 'absurdly public' about their affection — including a sighting of them kissing at a hotel bar in Orlando, Florida.

Now in 2025, Noem rents a £2,950-a-month flat in Washington, while Lewandowski reportedly lives directly opposite. Neighbours claim they've been seen together in lifts and shared spaces, and paparazzi have caught him visiting her home.

This year, after securing her position as Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem has been renting a $3,750 apartment in Washington. Lewandowski moved in across her, with a resident noting having seen them together in the elevator and common areas.'

Paparazzi have also captured photos of Lewandowski visiting Noem's residence, suggesting questionable ethics on the part of the couple. This also reinforces the concerns of DHS officials about Lewandowski's growing influence within the department.

Ethics Concerns Mount

While no formal complaint has been filed, DHS insiders remain uneasy. Many fear the merging of personal and professional lines, especially given Lewandowski's history and Noem's rising profile. With Trump's inner circle reassembling ahead of the next election, the question isn't just about whether there's a romance — but whether Lewandowski is quietly reshaping one of America's most powerful departments.