Noem Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Lewandowski Affair at Hearing

Homeland Security Secretary avoids direct denial of personal relationship with top adviser during tense congressional testimony.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning from Democrats during a House Judiciary Committee hearing about an alleged personal relationship with her top adviser Corey Lewandowski. Noem refused to directly deny the allegations, dismissing them as "tabloid garbage" and accusing the committee of sexism. The hearing, which was supposed to focus on the Department of Homeland Security's immigration policies, became dominated by the personal allegations against Noem.

Why it matters

The allegations against Noem raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and abuse of power, given Lewandowski's influential role at DHS despite his part-time status. Democrats argue Noem's relationship with Lewandowski clouds her judgment on key national security issues, while Noem's allies frame the scrutiny as sexist attacks on a rising conservative politician.

The details

During the hearing, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) directly asked Noem under oath if she had "sexual relations" with Lewandowski during her tenure. Noem avoided a direct "no," dismissing the inquiry as "tabloid garbage" and accusing the committee of sexism. Her husband, Bryon Noem, sat behind her until he slipped out as the questioning turned personal. Lewandowski, a Trump loyalist who managed his 2016 campaign and advised Noem as South Dakota governor, now operates as a special government employee at DHS, raising concerns about his outsized influence and potential conflicts of interest.

  • The hearing took place on March 4, 2026 amidst a partial government shutdown and a federal investigation into Noem's characterization of two protesters killed in Minneapolis as "domestic terrorists."
  • Whispers about Noem and Lewandowski's relationship have dogged her since she took the helm of DHS under President Trump last year.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary, who is facing allegations of a personal relationship with her top adviser Corey Lewandowski.

Corey Lewandowski

A Trump loyalist who managed his 2016 campaign and now operates as a special government employee at DHS, wielding significant influence despite his part-time status.

Sydney Kamlager-Dove

A Democratic Congresswoman from California who directly questioned Noem about the alleged affair during the hearing.

Jim Jordan

The Republican Congressman from Ohio who chaired the House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Jared Moskowitz

A Democratic Congressman from Florida who pressed Noem to provide a clear "no" response to the allegations.

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What they’re saying

“At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?”

— Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Congresswoman

“Mr Chairman, I am shocked we're going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary

“You should be able to answer if someone asks if you or any federal official is sleeping with their subordinate. It's the easiest. You should be wanting to answer that question.”

— Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Congresswoman

“I think the ridiculousness of this and the tabloids you are quoting are insane. This is a thing I have refuted for years.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary

“Is that no?”

— Jared Moskowitz, Congressman

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to hold additional hearings on the Department of Homeland Security's policies and leadership in the coming weeks, with the Noem-Lewandowski allegations likely to remain a focus of scrutiny.

The takeaway

The heated exchange between Noem and Democratic lawmakers highlights the growing political tensions surrounding the Homeland Security Secretary's relationship with a controversial top adviser, which critics argue poses potential conflicts of interest and undermines her credibility on key national security issues.