Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski: Affair Allegations, DHS Firing, and What Happened to Bryon Noem's Marriage

Kristi Noem's abrupt removal as Secretary of Homeland Security has reignited intense scrutiny over her relationship with Corey Lewandowski. The pair appeared together at a White House summit just days after both were pushed out of DHS, fueling the story that has followed Washington for years.

Who Is Corey Lewandowski and What Was His Role at DHS?

Corey R. Lewandowski, born September 18, 1973, is an American political operative, lobbyist, and author aligned with Donald Trump. He served as Trump's first campaign manager during the 2016 presidential race before being dismissed during the Republican primary.

At DHS, Lewandowski was widely described as Noem's de facto chief of staff, despite technically holding the status of an unpaid "special government employee." His influence extended well beyond a typical adviser's responsibilities, with some officials describing him as the department's "shadow" leader while Noem served as its public face.

Internal DHS records show Lewandowski personally approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract at the agency. Typically, his name appeared last on the approval checklist before Noem's own signature on contracts above $100,000.

Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski: The Affair Allegations Explained

Rumors of an affair between Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski have followed the pair since 2021, when conservative outlet American Greatness claimed multiple sources confirmed a sexual relationship. The New York Post later published similar reports, quoting an anonymous source who said they witnessed Noem and Lewandowski together at a Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando.

In February 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that sources said the two "do little to hide their relationship inside the department," that Lewandowski spent time at Noem's government housing, and that the pair had been traveling together on a leased luxury jet with a private cabin.

Both Noem and Lewandowski are married to other people. Lewandowski has been married to Alison Hardy, whom he met in ninth grade. Together they have four children.

Kristi Noem Grilled in Congress — With Husband Bryon Noem in the Room

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem faced direct questioning about the alleged relationship during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on March 4, 2026. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked point-blank whether Noem had ever had sexual relations with Lewandowski — while Noem's husband, Bryon Noem, sat directly behind her.

Noem called the allegations "tabloid garbage" and said she had refuted them for years. When Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz pressed her to simply say "no" for the congressional record, she never gave a direct denial. Bryon Noem had already left the hearing to catch a flight by the time the most heated exchanges took place.

Separately, Noem also misled Congress about Lewandowski's role in approving DHS contracts. She told the Senate Judiciary Committee he had no such role, but internal records and DHS officials directly contradicted that testimony.

Noem Fired from DHS — Lewandowski Also Out

Corey Lewandowski is also leaving DHS following President Trump's decision to remove Noem as secretary. This marks the third time Trump has cut ties with Lewandowski.

Noem's firing also means she will likely lose the waterfront home at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling where she had been staying — a residence typically reserved for the Coast Guard commandant, not the DHS secretary.

Noem and Lewandowski Reunite at Trump Summit Days After Firing

Just two days after being removed from DHS, Noem appeared at Trump's "Shield of the Americas" summit at Trump National Doral Golf Club in South Florida on March 7, 2026, carrying a new title: special envoy. Lewandowski appeared at the same event and posted photos on X, writing that he was "honored to participate."

The Lewandowski and Noem relationship has been called the "worst-kept secret in Washington." Bryon Noem's family has told outlets he has been "humiliated" by the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding his wife and her alleged affair.