Corey Lewandowski: The Shadow Power Broker in Kristi Noem’s DHS
A forthcoming book, Undue Process: The Inside Story of Trump’s Mass Deportation Program by NBC News reporter Julia Ainsley, is shedding light on the complex and controversial dynamics within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the Trump administration. At the heart of this narrative is the relationship between then-Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor, Corey Lewandowski, a figure described as an “enforcer” and, by many, a rumored romantic partner.
A Crisis Within DHS
Shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration, senior DHS officials reportedly convened a secret meeting to address a growing concern: the influence of Lewandowski within the agency. Trump had promised a dramatic overhaul of immigration policy, focusing on mass deportations. However, the implementation of this policy was being complicated by Lewandowski, who, despite lacking experience in immigration enforcement, quickly began to consolidate power.
The six-hour meeting, as detailed in Ainsley’s book, focused on how Lewandowski’s relationship with Noem could destabilize the department. Officials feared his unchecked access and influence over key decisions, including who was heard in meetings, what information reached Noem, contractor hiring, and even the design of detention facilities. This created a dysfunctional environment within an agency already tasked with a monumental and controversial undertaking.
Rumors and Allegations
Both Noem and Lewandowski, who were married at the time, have vehemently denied any romantic involvement. Lewandowski dismissed the claims as “bullshit” in an October interview with The Atlantic. A DHS spokesperson labeled the rumors as “salacious, baseless gossip.” However, the alleged affair was widely discussed in Washington political and media circles, eventually making its way into publications like the Daily Mail and The Wall Street Journal, which reported on their frequent travel together on a private jet.
Ainsley’s book quotes unnamed officials who describe the affair as “common knowledge.” One Customs and Border Protection official stated, “They don’t hide it.” A particularly blunt account from a member of Trump’s transition team, shared with Ainsley in January 2025, alleged the relationship continued.
White House Concerns and Lewandowski’s Role
The rumors reportedly caused friction with the White House. When Noem attempted to appoint Lewandowski as her chief of staff, the request was vetoed due to the widespread speculation surrounding their relationship. Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and a key architect of the administration’s immigration policies, was reportedly “personally repelled” by the alleged infidelity. However, this claim has been disputed by a White House official.
Lewandowski was ultimately hired as a “special government employee,” a designation intended to limit government work to 130 days per year. Ainsley reports that Lewandowski appeared to disregard this limitation, referring to himself as “chief adviser” to the secretary. He exerted significant control over DHS contracts, requiring his and Noem’s approval for any expenditure over $100,000 – a substantial decrease from the previous $25 million threshold.
A History of Controversy
Lewandowski’s history is marked by controversy. He served as Trump’s first campaign manager in 2015, developing a reputation for aggressive tactics and bullying. He faced accusations of physical confrontations with reporters and protesters, as well as allegations of sexually suggestive comments towards female journalists. He leveraged his loyalty to Trump to advance Noem’s political career, introducing her to key figures and shaping her public image.
Noem’s Transformation and Trump’s Consideration
Noem herself underwent a significant transformation, including apparent cosmetic enhancements, to align with a specific “MAGA aesthetic.” She also gained notoriety for theatrical displays, such as attending an ICE raid briefing in tactical gear and performing to a country song. Trump reportedly considered Noem as a potential running mate in 2024, but her disclosure of shooting her family dog in a memoir ultimately derailed those plans. Interestingly, Ainsley reports that Trump actually viewed this incident as a positive attribute in a homeland security secretary.
The “Alligator Alcatraz” and a Culture of Fear
Lewandowski’s influence extended to policy decisions, particularly regarding migrant detention centers. He advocated for cheaper, more austere facilities, leading to the creation of controversial locations like the “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades and a tent compound in Guantanamo Bay. Within DHS, officials were reportedly afraid to challenge Lewandowski, fearing retribution from Noem. One official described the atmosphere as one where speaking up was met with the threat of being “torn apart.”
The revelations in Undue Process paint a picture of a deeply dysfunctional agency, plagued by personal relationships, unchecked power, and a relentless pursuit of a controversial immigration agenda. The book promises a detailed and unsettling look inside Trump’s Washington and the individuals who shaped his most divisive policies.
Learn more about the book: The Atlantic
