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El Centro Today
By the People, for the People
Kristi Noem Allegedly Had Coast Guard Pilot Fired Over Blanket Left on Plane
New reports detail turmoil within the Department of Homeland Security under Noem and her advisor Corey Lewandowski.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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According to a Wall Street Journal report, new details have emerged about alleged misconduct by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and her top advisor Corey Lewandowski. Sources claim Lewandowski fired a U.S. Coast Guard pilot after learning Noem's blanket was left behind on a plane, and that Lewandowski also sought to obtain a federal badge and gun despite lacking law enforcement training.
Why it matters
The allegations of Noem and Lewandowski's behavior raise concerns about potential abuse of power and mismanagement within the DHS under their leadership. The reported incidents highlight tensions with career officials like Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who clashed with Noem and Lewandowski over border wall construction and staffing decisions.
The details
According to the Wall Street Journal report, when a plane transporting Noem had to be taken out of commission for maintenance, Lewandowski fired the pilot after learning Noem's blanket did not make the trip. That pilot was eventually rehired once Noem and Lewandowski learned there was no one else available to fly them home. The report also states that Lewandowski asked for a federally issued gun and badge, even though such credentials are typically only given to those with law enforcement training. When an ICE official declined Lewandowski's request for a badge and gun, he was passed over for a different position.
- The Wall Street Journal report was published on February 13, 2026.
The players
Kristi Noem
The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Corey Lewandowski
Noem's top advisor at the Department of Homeland Security, who previously served as President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign manager.
Rodney Scott
The current Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who clashed with Noem and Lewandowski over border wall construction and staffing decisions.
Tom Feeley
A New York Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official who was considered for the ICE director role but declined Lewandowski's request for a badge and gun.
Gregory Bovino
A Border Patrol commander-at-large who was elevated to a prominent role by Noem and Lewandowski, despite concerns from Rodney Scott.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
The takeaway
The allegations against Noem and Lewandowski raise serious questions about potential abuse of power and mismanagement within the Department of Homeland Security, with career officials like Rodney Scott voicing concerns over their actions. This case highlights the need for strong oversight and accountability within government agencies, especially at the highest levels of leadership.
