President Donald Trump has broken his silence for the first time on widespread media speculation that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is engaged in an extramarital affair with her top adviser, Corey Lewandowski. The president was questioned directly about the rumoured relationship while aboard Air Force One on Monday evening, with journalists pressing him on whether the situation represented a "bad look" for his administration and if Noem's position was secure.
Trump's Initial Response and Pledge to Investigate
When confronted with the allegations, President Trump offered a measured initial response. "I don't know about that," the president stated carefully. "I mean, I haven't heard that. I'll find out about it, but I have not heard that." This represents the first time Trump has publicly addressed the swirling rumours that have captivated political circles and media outlets for months. Both Secretary Noem and Lewandowski, who are both married to other people, have vehemently denied any romantic involvement, with Noem previously dismissing the story as a "disgusting lie."
Wall Street Journal's Explosive Report Revives Controversy
The matter gained renewed momentum last week when The Wall Street Journal published a comprehensive investigative report examining Noem's leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. The newspaper's exposé alleged that the "close relationship" between Noem and Lewandowski had already caused discomfort for President Trump and his senior advisers, describing it as an open secret within administration circles.
The Journal further claimed that President Trump had personally rejected the idea of appointing Lewandowski as Noem's chief of staff specifically "due to reports of a romantic relationship between the two" – concerns that the president has reportedly continued to mention in private discussions with officials. Additionally, the report highlighted that Secretary Noem had relocated to a government-owned waterfront house on a Washington, D.C. military base, a residence traditionally reserved for the Coast Guard commandant.
Department of Homeland Security's Firm Rebuttal
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson provided context for Noem's housing situation, explaining that the secretary had moved into the property for security reasons and pays appropriate rent for the accommodation. The spokesperson addressed the broader allegations by stating, "This department doesn't waste time with salacious, baseless gossip – we have actual work to do keeping the American homeland and its citizens safe. Something the last administration failed to do for four years."
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reinforced this position when speaking to The Independent, noting that "Mr. Lewandowski serves as an advisor to the secretary. The secretary, like all previous secretaries, has various senior advisors." The department has challenged numerous elements of The Wall Street Journal's reporting, including claims about tensions between Noem and border czar Tom Homan, which a DHS spokesperson has labelled as false.
Broader Allegations About Departmental Management
Beyond the personal relationship speculation, The Wall Street Journal's report painted a picture of a Department of Homeland Security operating in what sources described as a state of "constant chaos" under Noem's leadership. The newspaper accused the secretary of prioritising personal publicity and political positioning, alleging she staged "a headline grabbing immigration crackdown while sidelining rivals and dissenters… all with an eye to her style, with TV-ready hair and makeup."
The report further suggested that Noem exhibited professional jealousy toward border czar Tom Homan, who was deployed to restore order to Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis last month, with the secretary allegedly ensuring she made more television appearances than her colleague. These management criticisms add another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Noem's tenure at the department.
Administration Support Amidst Controversy
Despite the mounting controversy, the Trump administration has maintained its public support for Secretary Noem. This backing has persisted even following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota during January, incidents in which Noem accused the deceased individuals of attempting to engage in domestic terrorism when they were killed by federal agents.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently reaffirmed the president's confidence in his Homeland Security secretary, stating emphatically, "President Trump and Secretary Noem have ensured the most secure border in our nation's history, and our homeland is undoubtedly safer today than it was when the president took office last year." This endorsement suggests that, despite the personal allegations and management criticisms, Noem retains her position within the administration – at least for the immediate future.
