Kristi Noem created a fake press release to address rumors about her professional future, leading to fresh controversy regarding her status at the State Department, the Daily Beast reports. The document, which appeared to be an official communication from the agency, claimed that her time as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas was a planned six-month appointment and that she now remains at the State Department as a senior advisor.
This incident follows her departure from her previous position as Secretary of Homeland Security, where President Donald Trump fired her in March. She then moved into the special envoy role, which kept her away from the public eye for much of the last six months. Her appointment expired in September, which brought up questions about her next steps.
Two people familiar with her work at the State Department indicate that the leadership there did not authorize the statement she posted on X last Friday. One of them stated, “This was not a press release put out by the State Department.” The source added, “Noem went rogue and created a fake letterhead to post on X.”
The statement was also shared on her account dedicated to the special envoy role
Despite the claim that the document was official, it seems the department did not sign off on it. Neither Noem nor the State Department gave immediate responses to requests for comment regarding this matter.
It appears that Noem, 54, is currently a senior adviser to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. A State Department official mentioned that she continues to work on the Shield of the Americas portfolio in this new capacity. However, her online presence does not match these details. Her personal bio on X still lists her as the special envoy, and the link provided in that bio directs users back to the Department of Homeland Security. Her Facebook page also continues to identify her as the special envoy.
This situation adds to a difficult period for Noem, who has dealt with a messy divorce and ongoing rumors about a relationship with Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski, 53, left the Department of Homeland Security alongside Noem and is currently the subject of a Justice Department inquiry.
This investigation reportedly stems from a referral by the department inspector general. Reports suggest the inspector general investigated claims that Lewandowski sought to profit from his government role by asking officials from Qatar and the UAE to hire him for private work involving visa issues.
Lewandowski denies these allegations. His lawyer, Adam Trigg, said, “Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity.”
The personal lives and professional conduct of both Noem and Lewandowski may face further scrutiny soon. Democrats who could take control of House committees in the upcoming Congress are reportedly looking at both individuals as targets for oversight hearings.
While Noem and Lewandowski have maintained that they do not have a romantic relationship, their alleged affair was described as the “worst-kept secret” in Washington.
Published: Oct 25, 2026 05:00 pm