The drama continues inside the Trump administration, as rumors have been flying that the alleged romance between Kristi Noem and GOP insider Corey Lewandowski is going to cost the DHS secretary her job.
It was previously reported that Donald Trump was not thrilled about the relationship when talk of the affair was going around while Noem was still the governor of South Dakota.
Trump, however, just pushed back on the latest intrigue, saying that the rumors of Noem's imminent departure are just that, and he is very happy with the job she is doing.
There were rumors of the aforementioned romance back when Noem was going through issues in her marriage, and Trump was out on the campaign trail.
Noem and Lewandowski both denied the speculation at the time, but those infamous “anonymous” sources said that it was the worst-kept secret in politics. They also said that Trump was not exactly happy about the alleged relationship.
This week, reports started to surface that the romance was once again getting under Trump’s skin, and he was considering getting rid of Noem once and for all.
The source stated, “Things are f–--ed. It’s horrible, they’re going to destroy this place. I’m just hoping the new secretary gets here in time.”
I am starting to get the impression that Noem is not well-liked in this administration, as several reports have surfaced that aides are already recommending potential replacements to fill her role.
There have also been quite a few reports that Noem and border czar Tom Homan are not getting along these days, as the border czar wants to concentrate his efforts on deporting hardcore criminals first, then worry about everyone else after the fact.
Politico reported that one insider stated, “I’m hearing from people that she’s about to leave,” perhaps offering the explanation that she has another opportunity that she would like to pursue.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the rumors altogether, stating, “I can’t speak for the President, but I’ve seen more credible reporting on Bigfoot.”
Trump was recently asked directly about Noem, and he was very positive about her in his response.
He stated, "I read a story recently that I'm unhappy with Kristi -- I'm so happy with her... We have a border that's the best border in the history of our country. Why would I be unhappy? She's fantastic, actually.”
Now, if anyone expected Trump to acknowledge the rumors, they clearly have not studied this man. If anything, the reporting would make him dig in deeper to keep her around until the speculation fizzled out. But I would also say the rumors themselves are probably driving him nuts, as he cannot stand leaks of this type.
While the White House may be dismissing the story, I will not be so quick to do so. I think Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi are all on very thin ice, but that is just my opinion. I would also note that the friction between Homan and Noem would put the border czar's continued tenure in question as well. I honestly would not be surprised to see any one of those names, or several of them, leave the administration when the calendar turns.
