Kristi Noem-Corey Lewandowski ‘Relationship’ Rumors Blocking Him From Trump Administration Job: Axios

(Alex Brandon/Nam Y. Huh/AP photos)

“Concerns” over the relationship between Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem and longtime Trump operative Corey Lewandowski are keeping him from getting a full-time job in the agency, Axios reported Thursday.

Lewandowski, who is currently an unpaid and temporary “special government employee” in the Department of Homeland Security, has reportedly underreported his working hours in a bid to stay.

Homeland Security sources tell Axios they believe Lewandowski has dramatically overstayed his 130-day limit as a special government employee, but has only officially logged 69 days of work.

One alleged method he uses is walking into the DHS headquarters with other employees to avoid swiping his government ID badge.

“Everybody’s scared sh*tless” of Lewandowski, one ex-DHS official told Axios. “The feeling is that if they go up against Corey, they’re going to lose. And I would have to say they’re right.”

Lewandowski has often been seen with Noem since she took the helm at the agency, including during her high-profile ICE detention raids. In at least one instance, he introduced himself as Noem’s “chief of staff.”

Lewandowski’s status in DHS has reportedly attracted the attention of the White House, which is now keeping tabs on him and his work with Noem. Both are married to others.

“Concerns” over their relationship has led President Donald Trump to reject the idea of Lewandowski becoming Noem’s full-time chief of staff, according to Axios.

Noem has had to grapple with allegations of a lurid affair with Lewandowski for years, and had repeatedly shot down reports of an intimate relationship with him, calling them “total garbage and a disgusting lie.”

Her denials have done little to quell the rumors, with the Daily Mail reporting in 2023 that Noem and Lewandowski had gone on “dozens of trips that mixed business with pleasure, private flights and luxury resort stays.”