Corey Lewandowski wielded extraordinary influence inside the Department of Homeland Security over the past year, far exceeding his intended role as an unpaid adviser to Secretary Kristi Noem. While officially serving in a limited capacity, Lewandowski operated from Noem's office, conducted meetings without her presence, and issued orders to agency officials overseeing immigration enforcement operations.

His influence extended across contracts, personnel decisions, and operational matters, with access to classified briefings and even a version of the President's Daily Brief. Three sources said he helped elevate Gregory Bovino, a midlevel Border Patrol leader, to command militarized deportation raids nationwide. Lewandowski also berated ICE leaders for failing to meet White House arrest quotas and ordered employees placed on administrative leave for what others considered trivial matters.

Growing concerns about potential self-enrichment reached the White House, with NBC News reporting he allegedly demanded payments from GEO Group, a major detention contractor. Lewandowski's lawyer denied the allegations, calling them unsupported. His actions now face renewed scrutiny following Noem's abrupt ouster amid controversy over a lucrative contract benefiting her associates. The episode illustrates how enduring loyalty to President Trump can translate into remarkable power within federal agencies, even for figures repeatedly cast out of his inner circle.