Report claims former Trump adviser plots comeback as Thune challenge speculation grows

WASHINGTON, DC: Corey Lewandowski is reportedly looking for a way back into President Donald Trump's inner circle, with speculation growing that a potential primary challenge to Senate Majority Leader John Thune could become part of that effort.

The New York Post, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported on Friday, August 7, that the former Trump adviser is trying to rebuild his standing with the president as Trump continues to express frustration with Senate Republicans over stalled legislative priorities.

Corey Lewandowski's comments fuel John Thune speculation

"Corey is looking for ways to get back in good with President Trump," one Republican strategist told the outlet.

Another source said Lewandowski "values" his relationship with Trump, which dates back to the president's 2016 campaign, "more than anything else."

Attention turned to Lewandowski after remarks he made during a June podcast, when he suggested Thune could face a serious Republican primary challenge.

"John Thune, who happens to be up for re-election, not this November but two years from now, is very susceptible to a very serious Republican primary challenge," Lewandowski said.

He added, "The American people will be looking at someone who has a proven history of winning an election in South Dakota to maybe challenge John Thune."

Those comments led some of the Post's sources to point toward Kristi Noem, who became the first woman elected governor of South Dakota in 2018 after serving four terms in the House of Representatives.

Corey Lewandowski points to Trump's South Dakota support

Lewandowski did not directly endorse a challenger but told the outlet that Trump's popularity in South Dakota could shape any future race.

"President Trump carried the state of South Dakota by nearly 30 points. The people of that state overwhelmingly support his agenda for America," Lewandowski said. "No politician is immune to the will of the voters."

Lewandowski left his position as a special government employee after Noem lost her role as secretary of Homeland Security in March.

The report also noted that Noem, who now serves as special envoy for the shield of the Americas, and Lewandowski are allegedly in a romantic relationship.

Trump declines to endorse John Thune

The speculation comes as Trump has repeatedly voiced frustration with Thune over the Senate's inability to pass the SAVE Act and its failure to eliminate the filibuster, two priorities the president has publicly urged Republican senators to deliver.

Trump stopped short of endorsing Thune for another term during an interview with Punchbowl News earlier this week.

"John's trying. He's trying hard. I really believe that," Trump said. "But if he doesn't get there, it would be unfortunate."

Thune has repeatedly said he does not have the votes needed to move forward with those efforts.