In a swift cabinet shakeup just months into his second term, President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5, 2026, announcing the decision on his Truth Social platform. Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, had been a high-profile pick for the role, but her tenure was marred by controversies involving lavish spending, an alleged extramarital affair, and a public dispute over a massive advertising campaign.
The final straw appears to have been Noem’s testimony during congressional oversight hearings earlier that week. On March 4, during a Senate Judiciary Committee session, Noem claimed under oath that Trump had personally approved a $220 million Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ad campaign aimed at promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiatives. The campaign, which ran domestically and internationally, featured Noem prominently in television spots and was touted by DHS as a success, leading to over 2.2 million self-deportations and saving taxpayers billions. However, Trump reportedly denied authorizing the expenditure, expressing fury that Noem had implicated him in the decision. Sources indicated this misrepresentation boiled over into her dismissal, with some speculating it could amount to perjury if proven false.
Central to the scandals was Noem’s close relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally and her chief of staff at DHS. Lewandowski, who had lobbied for Noem’s appointment and served as a special government employee, was rumored to have been in an extramarital affair with her dating back to her governorship. During the hearings, lawmakers directly questioned Noem about whether she had engaged in “sexual relations” with Lewandowski, to which she responded by dismissing the inquiries as “tabloid garbage.” This non-denial reportedly infuriated Trump further, contributing to her ouster.
The $220 million ad spend was intertwined with Lewandowski’s influence. Reports revealed that portions of the contract—$77 million—went to an LLC owned by Jay Connaughton, who had previously worked with Lewandowski on political campaigns. Another $143 million no-bid contract was awarded to a newly formed entity that subcontracted work to a firm owned by the husband of a former DHS spokeswoman. Critics, including bipartisan senators, questioned the transparency and potential conflicts of interest, with Noem defending the process as legally vetted.
Adding fuel to the fire was scrutiny over DHS’s use of a luxury Boeing 737 MAX jet, leased by the agency and slated for purchase at around $70 million—double the cost of other deportation aircraft. The plane featured a private rear bedroom, and Noem and Lewandowski were reported to have frequently traveled on it together. Lawmakers grilled Noem on the extravagance, with one senator flashing a photo of the jet’s interior during the hearing, prompting her to defend it as cost-effective for high-profile operations. Additional spending revelations included $172 million on private jets, $2.4 million for customized ICE vehicles, and other luxury items, all funded by taxpayers.
Lewandowski, in a brief interview, declined to speculate on the reasons for Noem’s firing but is expected to exit DHS alongside her, ending what some insiders described as a “reign of terror” at the agency. Trump quickly named Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as her replacement, signaling a desire to move past the drama.
Noem’s brief stint at DHS highlights the tensions within Trump’s administration, where loyalty clashes with accountability. As the dust settles, questions linger about the oversight of federal spending and personal conduct in high office.
SOURCES:
Noem’s answer on ‘sexual relations’ with Lewandowski was ‘final straw’ for Trump, sources say
Kristi Noem’s Alleged Lover Corey Lewandowski Cornered on Why Donald Trump Axed Her Job – AOL
Trump ‘furious’ after Kristi Noem claims he approved $220 million DHS ad campaign: Report – The Times of India
Noem Out at DHS
Democrats Press Kristi Noem on Rumored Affair With Corey Lewandowski – NOTUS — News of the United States
Corey Lewandowski expected to follow Noem out of DHS, ending ‘reign’ of terror
Kristi Noem, rumored to be having affair with Corey Lewandowski, grilled about jet bedroom – al.com
Inside Hope Hicks’ Romances with Trump Aides Rob Porter and Corey Lewandowski
