As a special adviser, Lewandowski was nicknamed the "shadow secretary" by some employees who describe a tenure of tight control, abrupt firings and a quick temper. Staffers allegedly took measures like leaving Post-it notes to prove they were present. He has been quoted boasting about protections from former President Trump, a claim he has disputed.
Reports say Lewandowski held meetings in Noem’s office and even received a copy of the President’s Daily Brief; both deny any romantic relationship. Noem publicly decried questions about their ties as "tabloid garbage" during a House exchange. Separately, Noem’s mother says Noem has divorced husband Bryon after a leak about his private life involving fetish models and related spending.