In recent weeks, Lewandowski has sat in on transition meetings with Noem, Trump\u2019s pick to head DHS, and consulted with her on political appointees for the sprawling agency, said three of the people, who were granted anonymity as a condition of sharing details on the transition.<\/p>\n

It is not clear if Lewandowski has an official role yet in the transition or is helping in a personal capacity, according to two of the people.<\/p>\n

Lewandowski has also told people on the transition team that he\u2019s part of the DHS transition and is believed to be leading personnel hiring, according to two of the people. One person said he\u2019s been doing interviews with potential DHS appointees, both with Noem and independently. He\u2019s not on the DHS landing team, which is being led by Robert Law<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In one sense, Lewandowski\u2019s involvement does not come as a surprise. As a close friend and former adviser to the South Dakota governor, he vouched for her to get the DHS role.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Still, he has never worked at DHS, and his proximity to Noem in the transition process indicates that the political operative could have a hand in key personnel decisions at an agency that will oversee a cornerstone of Trump\u2019s second term: the mass deportation of illegal immigrants.<\/p>\n

Asked multiple times for clarification on Lewandowski\u2019s role, Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the Trump Transition, said only that \u201cAs per the Transition MOU with the Biden Administration, the White House is receiving the names of those serving on landing teams.\u201d He also added: \u201cThe landing team members are connecting with their counterparts at the departments and agencies.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a text in response to Blue Light News\u2019s reporting, Lewandowski said: \u201cIt\u2019s all Fake News and no one cares.\u201d<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for Noem offered no comment in response to an inquiry about Lewandowski’s involvement.<\/p>\n

Lewandowski\u2019s work with Noem provides the latest sign he is wielding influence again inside Trump\u2019s orbit. The former campaign chief was ousted<\/u><\/a> in the middle of the 2016 campaign, when he was blamed for running a political operation that appeared to be sputtering.<\/p>\n

Trump advisers and Noem also briefly cut ties<\/u><\/a> with Lewandowski over allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances towards a Republican donor in 2021. Lewandowski cut a deal with Las Vegas prosecutors after he was charged with misdemeanor battery, and the case was dismissed<\/a>. He later mended fences with Noem, and re-joined the Trump campaign this fall as an adviser<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"