DHS Chief Kristi Noem Under Fire Over Alleged Sexual Relations With Corey Lewandowski
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning during a House Oversight Committee hearing after a Democratic lawmaker pressed her about rumors of a sexual relationship with adviser Corey Lewandowski—an allegation she refused to clearly deny.
Rep. Nanette Barragán Kamlager-Dove confronted Noem over Lewandowski’s unusual role at the Department of Homeland Security, where he has been designated a “special government employee” while reportedly wielding significant influence behind the scenes.
When asked directly whether she was involved in an intimate relationship with Lewandowski, Noem dismissed the line of questioning as “garbage” but stopped short of offering a direct denial, fueling further speculation among lawmakers.
The tense exchange comes amid a growing controversy over Lewandowski’s role inside DHS. According to recent Senate testimony, he has been linked to decisions involving more than $220 million in department contracts, despite not holding a traditional government position.
The scandal has also been fueled by reports of a mid-flight confrontation between Lewandowski and Air Force pilots aboard a taxpayer-funded jet. Witnesses say the dispute began over a blanket belonging to Noem during the flight.
The hearing added to mounting scrutiny of the Homeland Security chief, who has already faced tough questioning from Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse in recent weeks over transparency and possible conflicts of interest.
Critics say Noem’s evasive answers have only intensified concerns about her judgment and the extent of Lewandowski’s influence within the department.
With congressional investigators now digging deeper into the allegations, the controversy threatens to become one of the Trump administration’s most explosive ethics scandals yet.
Watch the video of the hearing below:
