Kristi Noem Enrages Trump With Secret 'Cabinet Meetings'

The South Dakota governor's clandestine gatherings with Homeland Security officials have angered the president.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been holding secret 'cabinet meetings' with Department of Homeland Security officials, unbeknownst to President Trump. The president is reportedly furious over these meetings, as well as a $200 million ad campaign launched by DHS that he was unaware of. Noem's close relationship with Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski has also made the White House uncomfortable.

Why it matters

Noem's actions highlight growing tensions between the Trump administration and some of its own officials, as the president seeks to maintain tight control over his cabinet and key policy decisions. The secret meetings and unauthorized ad campaign suggest a lack of coordination and trust between the White House and DHS leadership.

The details

Noem has been hosting clandestine meetings that DHS officials have referred to as 'cabinet meetings', despite Trump not being aware of them. The president is particularly upset over a $200 million ad campaign launched by DHS telling immigrants to 'leave now', which he was not consulted on. Noem's close ties to Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski, including reports of a romantic relationship, have also made the White House uncomfortable.

  • On February 13, 2026, reports surfaced about Noem's secret meetings with DHS officials.
  • Earlier this month, DHS launched a $200 million ad campaign that angered Trump.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Republican governor of South Dakota who has been holding secret meetings with Department of Homeland Security officials.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is reportedly furious over Noem's secret meetings and the DHS ad campaign.

Corey Lewandowski

A Trump advisor whose close relationship with Noem has made the White House uncomfortable.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that Noem has been holding 'cabinet meetings' with, unbeknownst to Trump.

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What they’re saying

“The pair worked to hastily solidify their relationship with the president, successfully requesting an Oval Office meeting with Trump two days after the Pretti shooting. Noem's team quickly scheduled a series of press conferences on other matters, including an event highlighting airport security in Miami and an announcement about the border wall in Arizona.”

— Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti, Reporters (The Daily Beast)

“Noem and Lewandowski's close relationship had already made Trump and his top advisers uncomfortable. Lewandowski had initially wanted to formally serve as Noem's chief of staff, but Trump rejected the idea due to reports of a romantic relationship between the two—which he has continued to bring up, officials say.”

— Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti, Reporters (The Daily Beast)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Trump will respond to Noem's secret meetings and the DHS ad campaign, and whether this will further strain relations between the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions and lack of coordination within the Trump administration, as the president seeks to maintain tight control over his cabinet and key policy decisions. It also raises questions about the independence and transparency of federal agencies under the Trump presidency.