WASHINGTON — Corey Lewandowski has spent just 69 days as a “special” employee under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, leaving 61 days still available, the Trump administration said Thursday. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation that Lewandowski had exceeded the 130-day limit for such a position.
The 51-year-old has effectively acted as Noem’s chief of staff since late January. Fellow administration officials were reportedly confused when he stayed on the job well past what they believed to be his June end date, sparking rumors that he may have been using colleagues’ badges to clock in.
A White House official praised the sharp decline in illegal immigration under Noem and Lewandowski’s leadership when asked about his role.
“The tremendous results coming from the Department of Homeland Security — a historically secure border, safer American communities, and successful deportations of criminal illegal aliens — speak for themselves,” she said.
Lewandowski was reportedly passed over for the permanent DHS chief of staff position amid widespread allegations of an extramarital affair with Noem, 53.
