The Kristi Noem DHS controversy took center stage after New York Magazine published a cover story alleging that former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski — not Secretary Kristi Noem — is really running the Department of Homeland Security. DHS blasted the report as baseless and politically motivated.
In a fiery statement to Fox News Digital, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the article as “peddling anonymous gossip.” She didn’t hold back, saying: “This NYMag hit piece reads like a preteen rage-scrolling, then prompting ChatGPT for a screed on misogyny. It’s not just lazy — it’s libelous — peddling anonymous gossip as fact while ignoring our exhaustive, on-the-record rebuttals that destroy their narrative.”
McLaughlin made it clear: “All decisions are made by Secretary Noem. Multiple staff have the ability to provide recommendations and input for her consideration. Mr. Lewandowski serves as an advisor.”
Appointed by President Trump in 2024, Noem has been one of his most aggressive cabinet members. Under her leadership, DHS says it has removed more than 2 million illegal aliens — including terrorists, gang members, and violent offenders — while slashing $12 billion in taxpayer waste and strengthening the Coast Guard and TSA.
Critics at New York Magazine framed DHS’s crackdown on illegal immigration as part of “Trump’s police state.” But McLaughlin countered that Noem has focused on protecting Americans: “That’s leadership, not gossip — America’s safer and stronger because of Kristi Noem.”
