How Corey Lewandowski Wielded Power Inside D.H.S.
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The Bottom Line
A Trump adviser wielded substantial control over DHS contracts and personnel despite holding only an advisory title to the agency.
How This Affects You
Decisions affecting border security, immigration enforcement, and federal contracts—which impact hiring, funding, and policy implementation—were influenced by an official outside the formal chain of command, potentially affecting service delivery and accountability.
AI Summary
Corey Lewandowski exercised broad influence over contracts, personnel and operations at the Department of Homeland Security despite holding an official advisory role to Secretary Kristi Noem. His influence extended well beyond what his limited title suggested, raising questions about the informal power structures within the agency. Lewandowski's sway over DHS decisions—which handles critical functions including border security and immigration enforcement—represents significant informal authority over a major federal department. The arrangement highlights how Trump administration officials have sometimes operated through advisory positions that grant outsized influence over agency operations. This dynamic underscores concerns about accountability and the proper chain of command in federal agencies during the current administration.
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