Trump Advisors Uneasy Over Noem Ally's Efforts to Curry Favor

Homeland Security Head Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski Reportedly Trying to Win Over Former President

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump and his closest advisors are said to be uncomfortable with recent actions carried out by Department of Homeland Security Head Kristi Noem and her ally Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager. The pair have allegedly been working to quickly solidify their relationship with Trump, including requesting an Oval Office meeting just two days after a shooting incident.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the ongoing power struggles and tensions within the Trump orbit, as well as concerns over potential conflicts of interest and abuse of government roles. Noem and Lewandowski's close relationship and efforts to gain favor with the former president have made Trump and his top advisers uncomfortable.

The details

Noem and Lewandowski have reportedly been attempting to curry favor with Trump, including scheduling press conferences on airport security in Miami and the border wall in Arizona. Lewandowski has also taken on an unusually expansive role at the Department of Homeland Security, using the title 'chief adviser to the secretary' and handling classified information, which has drawn concern from administration officials.

  • Noem assumed office as Department of Homeland Security Head on January 25, 2025.
  • Noem and Lewandowski requested an Oval Office meeting with Trump just two days after a shooting incident.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Head of the Department of Homeland Security, who assumed office on January 25, 2025.

Corey Lewandowski

A former campaign manager for Donald Trump who has a long-term relationship with the former president and has taken on an unusually expansive role at the Department of Homeland Security.

Donald Trump

The 47th President of the United States, who is said to be uncomfortable with Noem and Lewandowski's efforts to curry favor with him.

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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.”

— Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti, Wall Street Journal reporters (The Wall Street Journal)

“Lewandowski's outsize role at the department drew enough concern from administration officials that the White House Counsel's Office opened an inquiry into Lewandowski's potential abuse of the special government employee role last year.”

— Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti, Wall Street Journal reporters (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The White House Counsel's Office is continuing its inquiry into Lewandowski's potential abuse of his government role at the Department of Homeland Security.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing power struggles and potential conflicts of interest within the Trump administration, as well as concerns over the appropriate use of government roles and resources. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in high-level government positions.