DHS confirms that Lewandowski left the department along with Noem

Corey Lewandowski, the unpaid political adviser who worked alongside former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has left the Department of Homeland Security, DHS confirmed Friday. Lewandowski, who operated as a "special government employee" since Noem's arrival in February 2025, held significant informal power despite his unpaid status, including veto authority over contracts exceeding $100,000. His departure comes as Noem transitions to a new role as special envoy for Western Hemisphere security issues following a contentious tenure at DHS marked by aggressive immigration enforcement and questions about their personal relationship. Lewandowski had faced mounting scrutiny over his outsized influence at the agency, including involvement in the short-lived TSA PreCheck shutdown last month. The White House has not specified whether Lewandowski will assume another government position.