Former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem is facing renewed public backlash following the release of official photographs showing her long-time advisor, Corey Lewandowski, seated alongside her during a high-level diplomatic mission to Guyana.
The images, shared by the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, document Noem’s meeting with President Irfaan Ali as part of her new role as the U.S. envoy for “Shield of the Americas,” a coalition focused on disrupting transnational drug cartels. The presence of Lewandowski—with whom Noem has been dogged by allegations of an extramarital affair—has reignited concerns regarding professionalism and the nature of her inner circle.
State Department Distances Itself from Lewandowski
The State Department moved quickly to clarify Lewandowski’s status following the social media firestorm. Officials confirmed to CBS News that Lewandowski is not an employee of the State Department, nor is he slated for any future roles, including as a special government employee.
According to department officials, the South American tour commenced while Noem was still serving in her DHS capacity, prior to the swearing-in of her successor, Markwayne Mullin. Despite this timeline, the optics of Lewandowski’s presence at the negotiating table with foreign heads of state have drawn sharp rebukes from political commentators.
A Controversial Transition
Noem’s transition to the “Shield of the Americas” role follows a tumultuous exit from the DHS. Her departure came on the heels of a series of internal crises, most notably the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
While the official narrative surrounding her ouster centered on departmental performance, persistent allegations regarding her relationship with Lewandowski have shadowed her career. Both Noem, who has been married to her husband Bryon since 1992, and Lewandowski have consistently declined to confirm the rumors of an affair.
Public and Political Backlash
The latest photos have prompted a wave of criticism from across the political spectrum. Television personality Meghan McCain took to X (formerly Twitter) to question the judgment of the former Secretary, writing: “Kristi Noem – you brought Corey Lewandowski with you to Guyana after just being fired from your last job… GIRL WHAT IS YOU DOING?!?”
Others have pointed to the apparent inseparability of the duo as a distraction from the mission’s stated goals of regional security and border integrity.
As Noem concludes her tour of Western Hemisphere nations—which included receiving an order of merit from Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa—the focus remains less on her policy achievements and more on the lack of clarity regarding her administrative entourage.
