Within the wake of escalating tensions throughout the Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) following the deadly taking pictures of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Corey Lewandowski, a key advisor identified for his resilience amid scandals, seems to be going through his hardest problem but. Officers point out that Lewandowski, who holds vital affect as a particular authorities worker below DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, orchestrated efforts to deflect blame onto Stephen Miller, certainly one of President Trump’s most trusted aides, after the controversial incident.
Backlash from Pretti Taking pictures Intensifies Inside Rifts
The taking pictures of Alex Pretti, an armed ICU nurse, by immigration brokers on Saturday has sparked widespread criticism. Noem initially claimed Pretti supposed to ‘bloodbath’ officers, however officers later clarified that his firearm had been eliminated previous to the taking pictures. In response, Noem pointed fingers at Miller, stating to reporters, ‘Every part I’ve achieved, I’ve achieved on the path of the President and Stephen.’
Miller rapidly countered with a public assertion attributing the flawed intelligence to Border Patrol, whereas sources near him specific personal frustration over Noem’s try and shift duty. Administration insiders describe this as a coordinated transfer by Lewandowski to guard Noem’s place—and his personal—throughout the company.
‘That is simply one thing you do not do,’ one senior official remarked. ‘As a pacesetter, if one thing comes out of your mouth, it does not matter if anyone instructed you to say it. You need to have verified it. You by no means blame different folks or throw them below the bus.’
Lewandowski’s Affect Wanes Amid Rivalries
Sources inside DHS predict that Miller, typically dubbed Trump’s ‘hatchet man’ for his unwavering loyalty, will emerge stronger from this confrontation. ‘It is not Noem, it is Miller,’ an official famous. ‘Miller was there for the primary administration. Lots of people name him Trump’s hatchet man, and what he says, Trump will go by.’
Lewandowski’s function as Noem’s de facto chief of workers has drawn scrutiny, notably given his standing as a particular authorities worker, which exempts him from disclosing personal monetary particulars. Aides near Noem recommend Lewandowski may quickly be sidelined, with one DHS official stating he’s ‘about to be out the door.’
Regardless of previous survivals—equivalent to his ousting as Trump’s 2016 marketing campaign supervisor by Ivanka Trump—insiders stay skeptical of his departure. ‘Corey is sort of a cockroach; he simply by no means goes away and at all times survives,’ a GOP operative noticed.
Trump Sidelins Noem and Lewandowski in Favor of Homan
President Trump has responded to the Minneapolis disaster by excluding Noem and Lewandowski from key operations, as an alternative elevating border czar Tom Homan. Throughout a Thursday press convention, Homan introduced a possible ‘draw down’ of immigration enforcement within the metropolis if native authorities cooperate. Notably, Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott, a longtime ally of Homan, stood prominently behind him, underscoring the shift in energy.
The feud between Noem and Homan traces again to September, when reviews surfaced of Homan allegedly accepting $50,000 in money from undercover FBI brokers in a 2024 sting operation. Sources imagine Lewandowski leaked these particulars, deepening the divide into rival factions: Workforce Noem and Workforce Homan. Lewandowski has accused Homan of media leaks, together with a December report about his calls for for an ICE badge and gun throughout an interview with a candidate.
‘I do not know what number of occasions Tom Homan can pitch you a similar story,’ Lewandowski acknowledged in a current name. ‘He is your supply, not mine.’
The White Home issued a press release defending Homan: ‘Tom Homan is an American patriot who doesn’t leak to the media and may be very respectful of the White Home’s press processes. The American persons are grateful for Tom’s essential work securing the border and Making America Secure Once more. He is a useful member of the Administration who’s working tirelessly to implement the president’s agenda.’
Potential Cupboard Modifications on the Horizon
Because the administration distances Noem and Lewandowski from the Minneapolis response, whispers of a broader shakeup develop. Present and former DHS officers level to former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin as a number one candidate to interchange Noem. ‘That is been rumbling round for a pair weeks and that is nonetheless in play,’ one official shared, highlighting discreet discussions between Youngkin and the White Home.
Noem’s affect stays intertwined with Lewandowski, who suggested her throughout her time as South Dakota governor. ‘He makes dangerous selections, and he at all times desires to be with Kristi. That’s going to be her downfall,’ a DHS official concluded.
Hypothesis surrounds Noem’s future, together with a potential run in South Dakota’s 2026 Senate main or preparations for a 2028 presidential bid. In the meantime, Miller is predicted to climate the storm unscathed, along with his spouse Katie Miller emphasizing, ‘The Miller camp doesn’t discuss to reporters. Full cease.’
Trump defended Noem on Fact Social late Friday, posting that critics goal her ‘as a result of she is a girl, and has achieved a extremely GREAT JOB!’ Nevertheless, the present dynamics recommend a major realignment inside DHS management.
