The 52‑year‑old left the Department of Homeland Security soon after Kristi Noem was fired by Trump on March 5, ending her 14‑month tenure that included a $220 million ad campaign. Staff reportedly nicknamed Lewandowski the "shadow secretary," alleging intense oversight, a quick temper and tactics that led employees to leave notes proving they were at work. Reports say he boasted of acting with presidential backing, a claim he has disputed. Lewandowski insists his comments weren’t about personal ambition, noting Trump carried South Dakota by nearly 30 points. He and Noem, who have denied a romance, were later seen biking near Lake Minnetonka.