Noem's alleged lover hit with new probe as Dems try to root out 'shadow chief of staff'

A new investigation launched Wednesday demanded that the Department of Homeland Security retain all records relating to Corey Lewandowski, who has long been rumored to be having an affair with outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and served as her top aide.

Lewandowski was named directly in a letter from ranking Democrats in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, The Daily Beast reported.

“The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Homeland Security are investigating serious allegations of high-level corruption, self-dealing, and mismanagement under the leadership of former Secretary Kristi Noem," according to the letter. "At the heart of these allegations sits Mr. Corey Lewandowski, who has used his close access to DHS leadership to wield outsized and undue influence over the Department. We request the DHS Office of Inspector General immediately initiate an investigation into Mr. Lewandowski’s role at DHS."

Lewandowski's role was characterized as a special government employee, but insiders have claimed that he wielded more power and could have been acting as a "shadow chief of staff" for Noem. Lewandowski, who previously advised President Donald Trump, has been accused of attending high-level DHS briefings, setting up and reviewing government contracts, and making personnel decisions — all while pursuing his own business interests in the private sector.

The committee requested that the Office of Inspector General release an update on the probe request by April 1.