Noem, Lewandowski face scrutiny over ‘special’ position

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s connection to Trump ally Corey Lewandowski — who’s been working as one of her closest advisers — has drawn interest for years. Now Lewandowski’s situation as a “special government employee” is facing similar scrutiny amid speculation he could be undercounting work hours so that he won’t have to leave the unpaid job anytime soon, Knewz.com can report.

Special government employee

As a special government employee, Lewandowski — who worked on President Donald Trump’s campaigns ahead of the 2016 and 2024 elections — can work for the federal government for 130 days over the course of a year. He was hired as an adviser to Noem, a former congresswoman and South Dakota governor, not long after she was confirmed to her Cabinet position in late January.

Monitoring work hours

So far, Lewandowski has worked for 69 days, the Department of Homeland Security told Axios.com. “Mr. Lewandowski’s time is kept by a career DHS employee who submits the paperwork on a bi-weekly basis,” the department explained. That means he’s allowed to serve another 61 days. But in recent weeks, White House officials have started monitoring how many hours he spends at work, the report claimed.

White House comment

When the White House was asked about Lewandowski’s status, an official responded by praising the work of the Department of Homeland Security, which has seen illegal immigration numbers drop since Noem, advised by Lewandowski, took over. “The tremendous results coming from the Department of Homeland Security — a historically secure border, safer American communities and successful deportations of criminal illegal aliens — speak for themselves,” the official said.

Ongoing attention

According to a report in the New York Post, Lewandowski wasn’t given the official role of DHS chief of staff, which is a permanent position, because of widespread allegations he and Noem have an improper relationship. Both are married to other people. In 2021, Noem called the suggestion they were having an affair “total garbage,” though rumors and speculation about how close they are persist. That interest has only continued as they’ve traveled together on business to countries including Argentina, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Poland and Italy, the Post reported.

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