Rumors of an exit of puppy-killing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are not subsiding, according to former DHS officials who worked in both Biden and Trump administrations and are still in touch with current staff.
Reports state that Trump likes Noem, but White House advisors are “frustrated” with her leadership and her choice of “chief advisor” Corey Lewandowski, who is described as having an “outsized” role.
According to a November report from CNN, Lewandowski has directed the firings of personnel, requested employees be put on administrative leave, called agency leaders “to hold them accountable,” and been described as a micro-manager — including for the massive infusion of cash the department has received to ramp up deportations. Multiple sources told CNN Lewandowski has developed a reputation at the department of reprimanding officials who he views as slowing down the administration’s agenda.
A potential replacement, a soon-to-be former GOP governor who would be available in January, is now being floated — Virginia’s Glenn Youngkin.
CNN reported that Youngkin “expressed more interest in an economic or business portfolio, rather than one focused on immigration” but would still be “excited by the prospect” of any Cabinet post.