Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has found herself at the center of another Washington controversy after reports revealed that an official-looking State Department announcement about her government position was never authorized by department leadership.

The revelation comes as Corey Lewandowski, her longtime political adviser and rumored romantic partner, faces a separate Justice Department investigation involving allegations of improper financial activity during his time at the Department of Homeland Security.

Together, the developments have renewed scrutiny of two prominent figures in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Kristi Noem’s Official Statement Was Reportedly Never Approved

The latest controversy began after Noem attempted to clarify her employment status following months of uncertainty about her future in the Trump administration.

Trump removed Noem as Homeland Security secretary in March 2026 and reassigned her to serve as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a newly established initiative focused on security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.

However, the appointment was temporary.

Her six-month term expired in September, prompting questions about whether she would remain in government.

On October 16, Noem shared what appeared to be an official State Department statement explaining that she remained employed as a senior adviser.

But according to Politico, two individuals familiar with her work said department leadership had never approved the announcement.

One source alleged that Noem independently created an official-looking document and published it on X without authorization.

The report raised questions about how government announcements are approved and who has authority to issue them.

Was Kristi Noem Really Still Working for the Government?

Despite the controversy surrounding the statement, Noem’s continued employment was not itself fabricated.

A State Department official independently confirmed to CBS News that her special envoy appointment had expired and that she had transitioned into a senior advisory role.

She now works under Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau while continuing to contribute to the Shield of the Americas initiative.

The distinction is important: the disputed issue concerns whether the announcement was officially authorized, not whether Noem actually holds a government position.

Nevertheless, her public social media profiles reportedly continued identifying her by her former special envoy title, adding to the confusion.

Neither Noem nor the State Department immediately responded to Politico’s requests for comment.

Corey Lewandowski Faces a Separate Justice Department Investigation

While Noem confronts questions about the disputed announcement, her former senior adviser faces a more serious investigation.

The Justice Department is reviewing allegations that Lewandowski improperly benefited financially from his position at Homeland Security.

According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, the investigation followed a referral from the department’s inspector general.

Investigators have examined allegations involving government contracts and whether Lewandowski attempted to use his official influence for personal financial gain.

Previous reporting also described claims that he approached officials from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates about potential private arrangements involving government matters, including visa-related issues.

Lewandowski has denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges had been announced as of October 24.

Trump Responds as Scrutiny Intensifies

President Donald Trump addressed the Lewandowski investigation after journalists questioned him about the reported inquiry.

Trump said he had only recently learned about the matter and emphasized that government officials should act honestly.

He also indicated that he would not interfere with a legitimate prosecution if wrongdoing were established.

Lewandowski’s attorney, Adam Trigg, said his client had not been contacted by the Justice Department and maintained that he committed no wrongdoing while serving in a voluntary government capacity.

The allegations remain under investigation, and the existence of an inquiry does not establish criminal guilt.

Rumors About Noem and Lewandowski Return to the Spotlight

The two officials have also faced longstanding speculation about their personal relationship.

Reports have described allegations of a romantic relationship between Noem and Lewandowski, but both have denied being romantically involved.

Their personal lives are separate from the government misconduct allegations, and the reported relationship has not been established as fact.

Nevertheless, their close professional association has attracted attention as questions emerge about decision-making and financial oversight during Noem’s tenure at Homeland Security.

Could Congressional Investigations Follow?

Democratic lawmakers have reportedly discussed potential oversight hearings involving Noem and Lewandowski if their party gains control of relevant congressional committees.

Such proceedings could examine contracting decisions, ethics compliance, and the responsibilities of senior government advisers.

For now, Noem remains at the State Department, while Lewandowski continues to deny the allegations against him.

The central questions remain unresolved: Who authorized Noem’s official-looking announcement, and what will investigators ultimately determine about Lewandowski’s conduct?

With both controversies unfolding just days before the November midterm elections, the administration faces renewed questions about transparency and accountability.