Kristi Noem's Husband Joins Her in Congress as Questions Swirl About Relationship with Corey Lewandowski

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's husband, Bryon, sat behind her during contentious congressional hearings as her ties to a Trump ally drew scrutiny.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's husband, Bryon, joined her in Congress for a second day and sat behind his wife as lawmakers questioned her about her tenure at the Department of Homeland Security. Noem thanked her husband for being there for her, but his appearance comes as questions swirl about Noem's relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump strategist who serves as a special employee at DHS.

Why it matters

Noem's husband's rare public appearance and the questions about her ties to Lewandowski raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of Trump-aligned figures within the Biden administration's Department of Homeland Security.

The details

During the hearings, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) asked Noem about an incident where a Coast Guard pilot was reportedly fired for leaving Noem's "special blanket" behind when she had to change government planes. Raskin said Noem's "special government employee, Corey Lewandowski, chivalrously stepped forward" in that incident.

  • Noem testified before the Senate on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Noem testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary, who faced questions from lawmakers about her tenure and her relationship with a Trump ally.

Bryon Noem

Kristi Noem's husband, who joined her in Congress for her congressional testimony.

Corey Lewandowski

A longtime Trump strategist who serves as a special employee at the Department of Homeland Security and whose relationship with Kristi Noem has drawn scrutiny.

Jamie Raskin

The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who questioned Kristi Noem about an incident involving Lewandowski.

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What they’re saying

“I also want to take a personal privilege and thank my husband for being here too. He's going to have to go catch a flight in a few hours, but I'm glad he could be here today.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (nypost.com)

“Apparently, when your special blanket, your blankie, was left on one of the government jets and not transported over the new one, your special government employee, Corey Lewandowski, chivalrously stepped forward.”

— Jamie Raskin, Representative, House Judiciary Committee (nypost.com)

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to continue investigating Kristi Noem's relationship with Corey Lewandowski and any potential conflicts of interest at the Department of Homeland Security.

The takeaway

Kristi Noem's husband's rare public appearance and the questions about her ties to a Trump ally like Corey Lewandowski raise concerns about the influence of partisan figures within the Biden administration's Department of Homeland Security, potentially undermining public trust in the agency's impartiality and effectiveness.