For Kristi Noem, the price of love could be her job.
According to The Bulwark, Donald Trump is reportedly thinking about firing his Homeland Security Secretary because of the controversial relationship between her and Corey Lewandowski, a man she’s allegedly involved with.
Three former DHS officials told the outlet that Trump’s top advisers are getting increasingly upset with Noem’s relationship, especially since Lewandowski is married. Because of this, Noem might soon be let go.
One former official said things are “f–-ked,” adding that the situation is “horrible” and that it could ruin the department.
He hopes the new secretary arrives in time.
The officials said Trump might take action in January, when Democrat Abigail Spanberger takes over from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is now being quietly considered as a possible replacement for Noem.
Noem, who is married, and her bumbling chief adviser have refused to confirm their alleged relationship, which has been called D.C.’s “worst-kept secret.”
Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager, is also known as Noem’s “gatekeeper,” working as a special government employee who travels with her, handles personnel decisions, and influences enforcement actions.
During their time in office, they’ve drawn a lot of criticism for mishandling funds.
In November, it was reported that the pair ordered 10 Spirit Airlines jets without realizing the planes had no engines.
DHS officials warned Noem that the purchase was impractical and that hiring more flight contractors would be much cheaper.
Further investigation revealed that Spirit, which has gone bankrupt twice, didn’t actually own the planes in the first place, and the engines would have to be bought separately, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Lewandowski has also pushed for replacing ICE leadership with Border Patrol veterans to enforce Trump’s strict immigration policies, including a controversial operation called “Midway Blitz” in Chicago.
Since Lewandowski is an unpaid special government employee, he’s only allowed to work 130 days a year.
In August, Axios reported the White House was quietly looking into his possible underreporting of workdays.
If Noem and her partner are removed, it’s unlikely Trump will personally deliver the news.
Last week, a Trump administration official suggested that Trump is focused on “people lik[ing] him,” a detail reported in Olivia Nuzzi’s book, *American Canto*, a former Washington correspondent for New York magazine.
During his first term, Trump— who once tried to trademark the phrase “You’re fired” in 2004—rarely told his changing group of appointees they were being fired.
Then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson found out he was fired while in the bathroom, the Daily Beast reported.
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, communications director Anthony Scaramucci, and White House staff secretary Rob Porter were all shown the door by then-Chief of Staff John Kelly, who later resigned.
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