Kristi Noem takes action amidst Lewandowski affair allegations
'Public safety is her concern here? That's rich,' one insider told DailyMail.com. 'She and her chief of affair(s) show up to every public safety event like it's a couples' retreat. 'If they spent less time staging optics and more time expanding and enhancing law enforcement operations, maybe ICE agents wouldn't be getting assaulted at record rates.' They argue Noem already has plenty of security and has exhibited little concern in her public appearances, joining agents at the border in Mexico, an El Salvador prison, ICE raids in New York and at last month's anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
She's even been called 'ICE Barbie' for treating her Cabinet position like a reality TV production, often joined on her trips by Lewandowski (pictured). Lewandowski had served as Trump's campaign manager in 2016 and his senior adviser during the 2024 presidential race, but his role within the president's administration has always been murky. However, the political operative, who has been described as Noem's 'de facto chief of staff,' has been seen accompanying the DHS secretary on various official trips. In April, DHS officials clarified that Lewandowski is an 'adviser to DHS' and a special government employee.
Noem's recent move has led critics to question why she should get free, taxpayer-funded housing that they don't believe other officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio get. However DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin described Noem's situation as unique. 'Secretary Noem continues to pay rent at her Navy Yard residence and has sought temporary living with greater security as threats have continued to increase against her as she leads DHS law enforcement who are facing an 830% increase in assaults against them,' spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told DailyMail.com.
Another administration official mocked this argument. 'She wanted to move so photographers couldn't be on site and show what's going on, so she and Corey could be more private,' the source told DailyMail.com. 'They are connected at the hip. After the story broke, it caused a little bit of a rabbit jump.' The former governor of South Dakota moved into DC's fashionable Navy Yard neighborhood over the winter. DailyMail.com reported on their living arrangement in April, noting how she was renting a place across the street from Lewandowski. Lewandowski, 51, her 'chief of staff,' was a regular visitor to Noem's $3,750 per month, two-bed Navy Yard condo that enjoys breathtaking panoramic views of Southeast Washington and the Anacostia River. And he didn't have far to travel because his own luxe digs were directly opposite in a smart rental building boasting a lap pool, gym, and spa.
'I've seen them together here both in the elevator and in common areas,' one resident of Noem's building told DailyMail.com in April. 'Don't forget DC is a small town and people talk. It is an open secret that they are together. It has always been joked about that Navy Yard is a dorm for Hill Republicans and Trump staffers – now it's even higher up, with married cabinet secretaries bunking their volunteer chiefs.' Widespread reports of their rumored years-long affair have caused persistent agita for Noem and Lewandowski, both of whom are married. They have repeatedly denied the rumors, which have continued to dog them and caused frustration and snickers among others in the administration, who question Lewandowski's influence as a special government employee exempt from many ethics' rules. DailyMail.com can now reveal that Noem moved out a short time later.
Her spokesperson blamed DailyMail.com for exposing what had been an open secret, claiming it put her at risk at a time she and other officials and ICE border agents are facing increased threats amid the agency's crackdown on illegal immigration. 'Following the Daily Mail's publication of where Secretary Noem lives, including photos, she has faced an increase in threats against her, as well as extensive doxing,' McLaughlin stated. 'Her security detail had to be increased, particularly the security footprint outside of her living quarters.'
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