Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem; Affair Allegations, Blanket Row, and 220 Million USD DHS Campaign

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2026: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been fired after growing scrutiny over her alleged extramarital affair with top aide Corey Lewandowski. Rumors about the relationship had circulated for months, but the controversy intensified during a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

During her testimony, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) directly asked Noem: “At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had s*xual relations with Corey Lewandowski?”

Noem did not answer “no.” Instead, she dismissed the question as “tabloid garbage.” Her husband, Bryon Noem, left the room just before the question was asked. Lawmakers emphasized that the alleged affair raised questions about Noem’s judgment and national security risks, especially since Lewandowski held a powerful position in DHS.

Noem’s Response Leads to Firing

Despite repeated questioning, Noem refused to deny the affair. Kamlager-Dove argued that the matter was about judgment, oversight, and potential conflicts of interest.

Noem’s decision to make Lewandowski her de facto chief of staff, giving him wide authority, further fueled concerns. Sources told media outlets that her refusal to answer the question about the affair was the final straw leading to her dismissal.

The Missing Blanket Controversy

Another incident highlighted the tension surrounding Noem and Lewandowski. In May 2025, a Coast Guard pilot was fired over a missing blanket. Reports revealed that Lewandowski entered a government jet cockpit searching for a blanket that belonged to Noem. The aircraft had been switched due to mechanical issues. A mystery bag with sensitive contents also became part of the story.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz later displayed the missing blanket during the hearing. This unusual incident became a point of ridicule, overshadowing parts of Noem’s testimony.

220 Million USD DHS Campaign Row

Noem also faced scrutiny over USD 220 million spent by DHS on ads promoting immigration policies. Many ads heavily featured Noem, raising concerns over the misuse of taxpayer money. Noem claimed that former President Donald Trump approved the campaign, but Trump denied the allegation and criticized her publicly for lying.

The combination of affair allegations, the blanket row, and the expensive ad campaign led to her downfall, ending her tenure at DHS in disgrace.