Inside the DHS Chaos: How Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem Shook Up the Agency

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News (2 / 1) 16.04.2026 10:12 / Peter

Power Plays and Controversial Moves

Reports say Lewandowski often met in Noem's office and received materials, including a copy of the President's Daily Brief, that Noem accessed. Noem herself drew criticism after branding Renee Nicole Good a "domestic terrorist" shortly after the woman was shot and killed by ICE, a move a former ICE official said encouraged agents to "push the limits." A former USCIS counsel even likened Noem's first DHS town hall—where she entered to the song "Hot Mama"—to a "South Park moment."

Costly Ad Campaign and Fallout

Officials cite a controversial $220 million ad campaign filmed by DHS that included line-item expenses—$20,000 for horse rentals, $3,781 for hair and makeup, $52,599 for videography and $107,405 for labor. Trump fired Noem in March and reassigned her to a newly created role; Noem says he approved the ad, while the president said he "never knew anything." Senator John Kennedy said Trump was "not a happy camper" after the dispute with Congress over permission to film.