'ICE Barbie' Kristi Noem's Alleged Lover Corey Lewandowski Accused of Exploiting DHS Role for Personal Financial Gain

Corey Lewandowski, who was dubbed the Department of Homeland Security's "shadow secretary" amid scrutiny over his influence at the agency and his rumored affair with former Secretary Kristi Noem, is accused of using his government connections to enrich himself through backroom deals.

The allegations were reported in a Wall Street Journal exposé published on September 7.

Headlining the explosive claims against Lewandowski is an allegation that he personally pitched Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to hire him on the side so he could carry out extra governmental duties, such as helping the nations with visas and other DHS duties.

He is also accused of using his role in government to personally meddle with government contracts. For example, he blocked prison firm GEO, brought in to help the Trump administration's deportation efforts, from receiving government contracts for months.

Lewandowski has previously been accused of requesting payment from GEO as they sought to renew their contract with the Trump administration. Rep. Robert Garcia of the House Oversight Committee accused Lewandowski of "shaking down" the contractor for "kickbacks."

Lewandowski only worked for the government under a "Special Government Employee" contract, meaning he did not have to give up his outside salaries or investments before doing government work. His critics suspect he entered the government on such a contract so he could build enrich himself with various side deals.

Lewandowski denied all the allegations against him in the report.

A representative said in a statement that Lewandowski “adamantly denies ever demanding any payment or compensation from any potential, former, or current government contractor or seeking or soliciting or entering contracts with foreign governments while volunteering his time with DHS.”

Lewandowski, 52, had a troubled tenure at the Department of Homeland Security.

It was widely rumored that Lewandowski was having an affair with Noem, 54, to the point it was dubbed "the worst-kept secret in Washington." The pair denied the rumors.

Lewandowski was also alleged to have made it department policy that he personally sign off on any DHS purchases over $100,000. This came to a head in July 2025, when Texas was hit with flash floods. Lewandowski and Noem did not approve the deployment of search and rescue teams until three days after the floods hit.

The floods left 135 people dead.

Lewandowski, who worked on Donald Trump's 2016 campaign but was fired for allegedly assaulting a reporter, left the government after Noem was ousted in March. He now works as a consultant.

The DHS is internally investigating Lewandowski's meddling with government contracts, and he could still face a criminal referral to the Justice Department.