Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has emerged in a new role within the federal government, working alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid lingering controversy over their past relationship.

According to the Daily Mail, Lewandowski has been hired as a special government employee at the Department of Homeland Security, working under Noem, with whom he allegedly had an extramarital relationship that began in 2019 or earlier.

The appointment raises questions about their professional relationship, as Lewandowski and Noem remain married to their respective spouses. Their alleged affair was previously documented in Alex Isenstadt's book "Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power," which detailed how their relationship may have impacted Noem's chances of becoming Trump's running mate.

Personal history casts shadow over professional appointment

Within Trump's inner circle, the relationship between Noem and Lewandowski was widely discussed. Trump himself reportedly referred to Noem as Lewandowski's "girlfriend" and would raise an eyebrow mischievously when the topic arose.

The former president even commented that Lewandowski "knew how to bat out of his league," according to Isenstadt's account.

DHS officials have attempted to frame Lewandowski's appointment in professional terms. A department spokesperson provided context for the hiring decision, highlighting Lewandowski's voluntary service to the administration.

A statement from DHS emphasized Lewandowski's patriotic motivations, comparing his role to other high-profile volunteers in government service:

Like Elon Musk and so many other patriots, Mr. Lewandowski volunteers his time as a special government employee (SGE) to help President Trump Make America Great Again.

Political implications stretch beyond department walls

The controversial appointment adds another layer to Lewandowski's complex history in Trump's orbit. After serving as Trump's campaign manager in 2016, he was fired before the convention but maintained influence within Trump's circle. His return to government service follows his involvement in Trump's 2024 campaign, where he served in an advisory capacity.

Lewandowski's professional record includes several controversial incidents. He faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, including a sexual assault complaint filed by singer Joy Villa regarding an incident at the Trump International Hotel in Washington. Though charges were never filed, Villa later stated she forgave Lewandowski based on her faith.

These past controversies have not deterred his continued presence in Republican politics. Despite being largely out of the headlines during the Biden administration, Lewandowski returned to prominence during Trump's recent campaign for the presidency.

Complex web of relationships shapes department dynamics

The relationship between Noem and Lewandowski extended beyond personal matters into professional collaboration. Their connection strengthened during Noem's governorship of South Dakota, where Lewandowski served as a key advisor.

Their joint appearances at political events and campaign stops became increasingly frequent leading up to the 2020 election.

Their professional partnership included shared travel to political events and fundraising activities. In October 2019, while South Dakota faced a severe snowstorm, Noem and Lewandowski attended multiple political events together, raising questions about priorities and professional boundaries.

The appointment represents a significant shift in both their professional trajectories, bringing their controversial history into the federal government's highest levels of security administration.

Future implications for department leadership

Noem's leadership at DHS now faces increased scrutiny due to Lewandowski's appointment. The decision to bring a controversial figure with personal connections into the department's operations raises questions about professional judgment and potential conflicts of interest.

The nature of Lewandowski's role as a special government employee remains unclear, with both he and the department providing limited information about his specific responsibilities. This lack of transparency adds to concerns about the appointment's propriety and purpose.

Where matters stand now

Corey Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager, has secured a position as a special government employee at the Department of Homeland Security, working under Secretary Kristi Noem. Their alleged past romantic relationship, which began in 2019 or earlier while both were married to other people, has sparked controversy and raised questions about professional boundaries and judgment.

The appointment brings their complex personal and professional history into a federal agency crucial for national security. While DHS officials frame the hiring as voluntary patriotic service, concerns persist about potential conflicts of interest and the implications for department leadership moving forward.