Norms Impact
Corey Lewandowski out at DHS after Kristi Noem is fired by Trump: report
A White House-linked “special government employee” operated inside DHS as leadership collapsed, underscoring how informal loyalty networks can seep into federal authority without clear accountability.
Mar 6, 2026
Sources
Summary
Corey Lewandowski has left the Department of Homeland Security after serving as a top adviser to Secretary Kristi Noem. President Donald Trump announced Noem’s departure and named Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her effective March 31. The exit removes a White House-linked “special government employee” presence from DHS as the department enters a leadership transition after scrutiny and congressional hearings.
Reality Check
Embedding politically connected operatives inside national security agencies as “advisers” with ambiguous authority weakens the accountability chain our democracy depends on. When personnel power is exercised through informal relationships—while officials insist there is “no authority” and refuse meaningful scrutiny—oversight is blunted and responsibility becomes deniable.
This precedent normalizes governance by access rather than by transparent delegation, documented roles, and enforceable rules. Over time, it conditions the public to accept security institutions being steered through loyalty and factional influence instead of clear, reviewable decision-making.
Media
Detail
<p>Corey Lewandowski, described as a top adviser to Kristi Noem, departed the Department of Homeland Security, with MS NOW reporting it confirmed his exit Friday morning. His departure followed President Donald Trump’s announcement Thursday that Noem’s tenure as DHS secretary would end and that Sen. Markwayne Mullin would replace her, effective March 31.</p><p>During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Noem referred to Lewandowski as a “special government employee who works for the White House” and said he was an adviser with “no authority to be making any decisions.” Noem had faced increased scrutiny over her actions as DHS secretary, including two congressional hearings described as chaotic earlier in the week.</p><p>Reporting also described internal White House tensions involving Noem and Lewandowski, including an allegation that Lewandowski sought the removal of senior Trump campaign figures. Separately, Reuters reported Lewandowski was accused of firing a pilot during travel with Noem; Lewandowski disputed key details and the pilot was later reinstated.</p>