The fallout from President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Kristi Noem may soon extend beyond the former secretary herself.
According to the New York Post, Corey Lewandowski — who served as Noem’s de facto chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security — is expected to depart the agency following her removal Thursday.
Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally, had gained significant influence inside the department despite holding the title of an unpaid special government employee.
Critics inside the administration said he tightly controlled operations and developed a reputation for abruptly firing staff and creating a climate of fear among aides.
“The end of Corey Lewandowski’s reign represents a return to responsible and accountable governance,” an administration official told The Post. “The nation welcomes Senator [Markwayne] Mullin’s nomination.”
Trump has tapped Markwayne Mullin to lead DHS, and a White House official said Lewandowski is likely to lose his power once Mullin takes over later this month.
“Don’t know who would want him,” the official said.
Lewandowski declined to speculate on why Trump removed Noem, which came a day after she was questioned in Congress about an alleged affair with him.
“I would never try and assume to get in the mind of President Trump,” Lewandowski said in a brief phone interview. “I think he has his reasons for everything he does, and we have seen enormous success from his leadership at the White House.”
He also said he had “no insight” into the president’s decision.
Rumors about a relationship between Noem and Lewandowski have circulated in Washington for years, dating back to her time as governor of South Dakota.
The pair traveled together on multiple official trips, including visits to Argentina, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Poland, and Italy.
Lewandowski is married to Alison Hardy, while Noem shares three children with her husband.
His role at DHS allowed him to work up to 130 days per year without filing financial disclosure forms. Sources said he often arrived at DHS headquarters in Noem’s motorcade after spending the night at her government residence nearby.
Despite his unofficial status, Lewandowski held significant sway over staffing decisions and contract approvals — fueling ongoing allegations of impropriety.
Noem faced criticism during a Senate hearing on Tuesday when she testified that Lewandowski did not approve contracts, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
During the same hearing, Democrats twice asked her under oath whether she was having an affair with him. She criticized the questions but did not directly deny the relationship.
Lewandowski downplayed his role in the administration, describing himself as merely an “unpaid volunteer.”
When asked if he plans to remain with the administration, he said he has not yet decided.
“I haven’t made that decision,” Lewandowski said.
He also offered praise for Mullin, saying, “I’m happy for Markwayne Mullin.”
Despite past setbacks — including being fired as Trump’s campaign manager during the 2016 election — some observers believe Lewandowski could still find his way back into Trump’s orbit.
“Corey will find a way back into Trump world,” one source predicted.
