Audrey Fahlberg@AudreyFahlberg
Lewandowski had broad purview over all decisions made inside DHS, big and small. Inside the building, he became known as “Chief.”
“All written communication and all of the little minions in the front office, all the 23-year-olds who have pledged undying loyalty to Corey, would call him ‘Chief,’” a senior administration official said.
Portions of Noem’s schedule, obtained by National Review, are chock-full of references to her “Chief” Lewandowski, whose title was constantly invoked in schedule notes on high-level decisions or official engagements that were pending approval.
Notes written by staffers show that Noem deferred scheduling choices to Lewandowski. One scheduling note suggests that Noem had opted to decline an invitation to a United Nations event “unless Chief says it is important.”
Even first responder appreciation-day speaking engagements would require Lewandowski’s signoff. In the notes section of a September 5, 2025, scheduling memo, a line specified that the department was leaning against accepting a speaking request for January 6, 2026, for “Law Enforcement and Fire Fighter Appreciation Day” in Florida.
“Probably No – Ask Chief,” the memo reads.
In addition to greenlighting the secretary’s meetings, trips, and special appearances, Lewandowski’s de facto chief of staff status meant he had the final say on approving travel requests for every senior official and final say on who attended high-level DHS meetings.
“I don’t think she ever took meetings without him standing in there,” a senior administration official recalled. “I was supposed to have a one-on-one meeting with her, and he was in there. He took meetings without her, but she never took meetings without him.”
