Allegations of Abuse of Power Emerge from Department of Homeland Security
Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is facing scrutiny over his alleged role in the dismissal and subsequent rehiring of a U.S. Coast Guard pilot. The incident, reportedly stemming from a missing blanket belonging to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has ignited questions about leadership practices and potential abuses of authority within the department. The situation has also amplified existing rumors of a close personal relationship between Lewandowski and Noem, both of whom are married.
Background of the Incident
The events in question unfolded during an official government trip. Due to an unspecified maintenance issue, Secretary Noem had to switch to a different aircraft. Following this change, it was discovered that a blanket she had been using was not transferred to the new plane. According to multiple reports citing sources familiar with the matter, Corey Lewandowski then allegedly took action against the U.S. Coast Guard pilot responsible for the aircraft.
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Corey Lewandowski is reported to have fired the pilot.
The pilot was reportedly told to arrange commercial travel home.
Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski were left without a pilot for their return journey.
Due to the lack of available alternative pilots, the original pilot was subsequently rehired to fly them back.
Evidence of the Pilot's Dismissal and Reinstatement
Multiple reports confirm the core details of the incident, with variations in the precise sequence and the level of direct involvement attributed to Kristi Noem versus Corey Lewandowski. The Wall Street Journal is cited as the primary source for these allegations.
Allegation of Firing: Reports consistently state that Corey Lewandowski dismissed the pilot. Some accounts suggest he was acting on behalf of Kristi Noem, while others indicate it was a decision he made as a senior adviser involved in personnel matters.
Reason for Dismissal: The precipitating factor was the discovery that Kristi Noem's blanket had been left behind on the initial aircraft.
Pilot's Reinstatement: The consensus among reports is that the pilot was rehired because no other personnel were available to pilot the plane, leaving Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski without transportation.
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| Actor | Action | Alleged Motivation | Outcome of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corey Lewandowski | Allegedly fired a U.S. Coast Guard pilot | Missing blanket belonging to Noem | Pilot dismissed |
| Kristi Noem | Switched planes due to maintenance | Necessary operational decision | Original plane left behind |
| Pilot | Left blanket on original aircraft | Unknown | Subject of dismissal |
| Corey Lewandowski | Allegedly reinstated the pilot | No alternative pilot available | Pilot returned to duty |
Questions Surrounding Lewandowski's Role and Authority
The incident has brought increased attention to Corey Lewandowski's position within DHS. He serves as a senior adviser to Secretary Kristi Noem and is described as holding significant influence, often acting as her de facto chief of staff.
Special Government Employee Status: Lewandowski has been working as a special government employee, an unpaid position. Concerns have been raised about him potentially exceeding the statutory 130-day limit for such roles. Department officials have maintained he is in compliance.
Involvement in Personnel Decisions: Reports indicate Corey Lewandowski has been involved in personnel decisions within DHS, sometimes described as aggressive. The pilot dismissal is one such example.
Relationship with Noem: Numerous reports cite rumors of a romantic relationship between Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski, despite both being married. These rumors reportedly influenced decisions regarding Lewandowski's potential role as Noem's chief of staff, with former President Donald Trump allegedly blocking such a move due to discomfort with their purported relationship.
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"Noem and Lewandowski, who are both married, have publicly denied the reports of the affair, but people said they do little to hide their relationship inside the department."
— The Wall Street Journal, as cited in multiple reports.
Department of Homeland Security Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, when questioned by The Wall Street Journal about the incident, did not comment directly on the blanket dispute. Instead, the spokesperson provided a statement indicating that Kristi Noem "has made personnel decisions to deliver excellence."
Broader Implications and Scrutiny
The alleged firing of the pilot is one facet of broader scrutiny surrounding travel practices, resource allocation, and ethical considerations within DHS under Kristi Noem's leadership, with Corey Lewandowski often at the center of these issues.
Ethics and Power Dynamics: The incident raises questions about the exercise of power by senior officials and whether personal matters influence official actions.
Operational Efficiency: The necessity of reinstating the pilot due to a lack of alternatives highlights potential logistical challenges or a disregard for standard procedures in favor of immediate needs.
Public Perception: The events contribute to a narrative of dysfunction within DHS and amplify the public interest in the relationship and conduct of Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.
Conclusion
The incident involving the missing blanket and the subsequent dismissal and rehiring of a U.S. Coast Guard pilot underscores allegations of impropriety and the influential, and at times contentious, role Corey Lewandowski plays within the Department of Homeland Security. While the department has offered a general statement on "personnel decisions to deliver excellence," the specific actions taken in this instance, particularly the alleged involvement of Corey Lewandowski, continue to generate significant questions about accountability and leadership practices within DHS. The ongoing scrutiny of Corey Lewandowski's status as a special government employee and the persistent rumors surrounding his relationship with Secretary Kristi Noem suggest these issues will remain under examination.
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The Wall Street Journal: Primary source for the allegations regarding the pilot firing, Lewandowski's role, and the broader context of dysfunction within DHS.
The Daily Beast: Reported on the alleged firing of the pilot due to the blanket incident and provided details on the personal lives of Noem and Lewandowski, including their marital status and alleged affair.
Daily Mail: Covered the incident, framing it as Kristi Noem having the pilot fired over her missing blanket and also mentioning Lewandowski's expired employment term.
RawStory: Detailed the blanket incident and noted the pilot's reinstatement due to lack of alternatives, as well as general complaints about Noem and Lewandowski's management style.
Hindustan Times: Reported on the rehiring of the pilot after firing due to the blanket mishap and provided background on Corey Lewandowski.
IBTimes.co.uk: Highlighted the controversy involving the blanket, the jet, and the pilot's dismissal, quoting a DHS spokeswoman's general statement.
The Cut: Described Lewandowski allegedly firing a pilot after Noem's blanket was left behind and their subsequent rehiring of the pilot due to no one else being available.
NewsBreak: Reported on allegations that Noem and Lewandowski use private cabins in DHS jets for their rumored affair.
Timesnownews.com: Explained the controversy surrounding the pilot firing over the forgotten blanket, with Lewandowski reportedly dismissing and reinstating the pilot.
Filmogaz.com: Focused on renewed scrutiny of Corey Lewandowski over the alleged pilot firing tied to Kristi Noem's blanket and DHS jet use.
btimesonline.com: Stated that Noem and Lewandowski face scrutiny after a pilot was allegedly dismissed over a missing blanket, and later reinstated due to lack of alternatives.
mediaite.com: Presented revelations from a WSJ exposé concerning Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.
inquisitr.com: Reported that Corey Lewandowski fired a Coast Guard pilot after Noem switched planes and her blanket wasn't transferred, with the pilot eventually reinstated.
alternet.org: Stated Lewandowski reportedly fired a pilot after Noem's blanket was left behind, and the pilot was eventually rehired when no one else was available.
debatepolitics.com: Quoted reports of Corey Lewandowski firing a pilot after a blanket belonging to Noem was left behind.
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