Corey Lewandowski Expected to Leave DHS After Kristi Noem Removal

Corey Lewandowski is set to depart the U.S. Department of Homeland Security soon. This follows President Donald Trump’s decision on Thursday to remove Secretary Kristi Noem from her post. Trump has nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as the next DHS secretary. The leadership shake-up has sparked fresh talk about influence, loyalty, and personal rumors inside the department.

Lewandowski served as an unpaid special government employee (SGE). This status caps work at 130 days per year. Even so, insiders often saw him as a de facto chief of staff under Noem. He weighed in on personnel moves and internal decisions. His exit now appears likely as the new secretary prepares to take over.

Why Trump Removed Kristi Noem

Trump announced Noem’s removal Thursday. He quickly tapped Mullin to lead DHS. No official reason came from the White House. However, recent congressional hearings drew heavy scrutiny on Noem.

Lawmakers pressed her about Corey Lewandowski’s role. They asked about his influence over contracts and staffing. Some Democrats also questioned her personal ties to him. Noem pushed back on those lines of inquiry. She called them inappropriate but did not deny the rumors outright.

Lewandowski dodged speculation when asked about Noem’s dismissal. “I would never try to assume to get in the mind of President Trump,” he told the New York Post. He added that Trump always has his reasons.

On his own future, Lewandowski stayed vague. “I haven’t made that decision,” he said.

Rumors of an Affair Between Noem and Lewandowski

Talk of a romantic relationship between Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski has swirled in Washington for years. Reports first gained traction during Noem’s time as South Dakota governor.

• Sources told the New York Post in 2023 that Noem’s husband, Bryon Noem, had moved out of the governor’s residence about two years earlier.
• Noem and Lewandowski traveled together on official trips to countries including Argentina, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Poland, and Italy.
• Some people familiar with the situation say Lewandowski currently lives with Noem.
• Noem and her husband share three children. Lewandowski has been married to Alison Hardy since 2005.

Neither Noem nor Lewandowski has confirmed any affair. During a Senate hearing Tuesday, Noem faced direct questions about their relationship. She criticized the focus and refused to discuss it in detail. The issue came up again Wednesday with more Democratic probing.

A separate report mentioned a U.S. Coast Guard pilot incident tied to personal items on a flight used by officials. The pilot was briefly dismissed but later reinstated.

Lewandowski’s Influence at DHS

As an SGE, Lewandowski held no Senate-confirmed role. Still, department officials and observers described him as a major player in day-to-day operations.

• He took part in personnel decisions and management matters.
• Some reports suggested he influenced contracts, though Noem testified he did not approve them.
• Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about the reach of an unelected adviser.

His close access drew extra attention amid the personal rumors.

What Comes Next for Corey Lewandowski

A White House official spoke bluntly about Lewandowski’s prospects. “Don’t know who would want him,” the source said.

Others note his history with Trump. Lewandowski was fired as campaign manager in 2016 but later regained favor. One source told the New York Post, “Corey will find a way back into Trump world.”

For now, his DHS chapter looks close to ending. Mullin’s nomination starts a new phase at the department.

Final Thoughts

This transition highlights the mix of loyalty, influence, and scrutiny in Trump’s second term. Personal rumors added fuel, but policy and leadership changes drive the moves.

Stay tuned for Senate confirmation hearings on Markwayne Mullin. They will likely revisit these questions.

What do you make of these DHS changes? Does the focus on personal ties distract from bigger issues? Drop your thoughts below—I read them all.

Sources: New York Post reporting (March 2026); Senate committee testimony transcripts.