‘I’ll find out about it’: Trump responds to rumors about Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump responded to questions about swirling rumors of a long-running affair between Kristi Noem and senior adviser Corey Lewandowski.

Lewandowski, a veteran Republican strategist and influential figure within the Department of Homeland Security, has recently faced unverified claims circulating on social media alleging a romantic relationship with Noem. 

Trump addresses Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski relationship rumors

Aboard Air Force One after departing Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026, a reporter pressed Donald Trump about renewed speculation surrounding Kristi Noem and senior Department of Homeland Security adviser Corey Lewandowski.

“Recent reports suggest they’re in a close personal relationship, will she remain in her job much longer?” the reporter asked. Trump said he was unaware of the claims. “I don’t know about that. I haven’t heard that. I’ll find out about it, but I haven’t heard it,” he replied.

Jet incident sparks Noem-Lewandowski rumors

The rumors intensified recently following a report by The Wall Street Journal detailing an unusual incident involving a Coast Guard pilot. According to the Journal, Corey Lewandowski allegedly dismissed the pilot after a blanket belonging to Kristi Noem was left aboard a government jet, only to rehire the pilot when no other crew was available to fly the group home.

Since Trump returned to office last year, Lewandowski has served as an unpaid special government employee and de facto chief of staff to Noem at the Department of Homeland Security. 

He first rose to prominence as Trump’s 2016 campaign manager before building a national profile as a political commentator and strategist. After Trump’s re-election, Noem appointed him senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security, a role the Journal reported extended well beyond traditional advisory duties.

Lewandowski had reportedly sought the formal title of chief of staff, but the White House objected amid prior reports, including claims published by the New York Post, alleging a romantic relationship between him and Noem. Both have denied the accusations.

Now, in the wake of the aircraft controversy, commentators such as Brian Krassenstein have again amplified questions about the nature of their relationship, keeping the speculation alive.

Reports detail jet incident and Noem-Lewandowski claims

According to The Wall Street Journal, Kristi Noem had to switch planes on an official trip because of a technical problem, but her blanket was left behind. Reports say Corey Lewandowski fired the pilot over the mistake and told the pilot to fly home on a commercial flight. When no other pilot was available, he reportedly rehired the original pilot.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the Journal that Noem makes staffing decisions to “deliver excellence,” but did not deny the report.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Corey Lewandowski “spends time at the house,” while several sources inside and close to the administration told the New York Post that Lewandowski effectively lives with Kristi Noem, at least if regularly spending the night qualifies as living there.

Multiple sources also say DonaldTrump knows about the alleged relationship. One person close to Trump said he often shares a story about seeing Noem and Lewandowski drink from the same soda can.

Trump, who is known for being germ-conscious, reportedly jokes about the moment, saying, “You can’t do that, it’s pretty obvious! You can’t do that, everyone’s going to know!” The source added that Trump frequently tells the story when talking about the pair.