Key Highlights
- Kristi Noem’s alleged boyfriend, Corey Lewandowski, is extending his stay as her de facto chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- CBP Chief Gregory Bovino claims support for ICE and Border Patrol from a silent majority despite mass protests against their presence in Minneapolis.
- The State Department detained Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk over an op-ed article demanding Tufts acknowledge the Palestinian genocide, later admitting it was unfounded.
- FBI Director Kash Patel is firing agents and directors involved in Trump-related investigations, sparking controversy within the bureau.
- Seven Democratic lawmakers voted to fund ICE despite criticism from their colleagues about its recent activities and policies.
The Alleged Relationship at the Center of Controversy
At the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem’s alleged boyfriend, Corey Lewandowski, continues to play a significant behind-the-scenes role despite being officially classified as a temporary employee. Lewandowski, who has long been rumored to be involved in an affair with Noem, has maintained his position since the 2020 election. Axios reported that Lewandowski was spotted discussing DHS vendor contracts on the phone at Reagan National Airport last week, indicating his continued involvement.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence
Lewandowski’s role as a de facto chief of staff has allowed him to pull many logistical strings for Noem. Since 2019, various reports have surfaced alleging interactions between the two, including Noem sitting in Lewandowski’s lap and Lewandowski slapping her butt. These allegations paint a picture of a close and possibly intimate relationship that extends beyond casual workplace dynamics.
CBP Chief’s Defiant Stance
At the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Gregory Bovino faces widespread opposition from communities affected by ICE’s actions. Despite mass protests in Minneapolis, Bovino claims fantastic public support for his agency. In a bizarre interview with News Nation, he stated, “With those inner-city residents in places like Chicago, Los Angeles—what we’re seeing is fantastic public support.” His assertion that people are giving him “thumbs-up and Good jobs” in Minneapolis further highlights the divide between official rhetoric and grassroots sentiment.
Public Sentiment and Protests
The reality on the ground contradicts Bovino’s claims. Thousands of Minnesotans participated in a general strike, dubbed “Day of Truth & Freedom,” to express their frustration with ICE’s presence. The protest involved no work, no school, and no shopping as hundreds of local businesses closed in solidarity. Even local politicians like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have advised ICE and Border Protection to exit the state, arguing that federal agents have done more harm than good.
FBI Director’s Purge
In a move that has sparked controversy, Kash Patel, the FBI director, is firing senior agents and directors connected to investigations into former President Donald Trump. The purges include the special agent in charge of Atlanta, acting assistant directors from New York’s field office, and several Miami agents involved in the search of Mar-a-Lago in 2022. Patel has previously fired other agents for perceived disloyalty or displaying LGBTQ pride flags.
Impact on Bureau Culture
The firings come as The New York Times published a negative assessment of Patel’s tenure, highlighting his incompetence and image-focused approach over effectiveness. Critics argue that such mass firings are unprecedented at the FBI and go against its nonpartisan culture. Twelve agents who were fired last year for taking a knee during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests sued Patel in December.
Political Division Over ICE Funding
In a surprising move, seven Democratic lawmakers voted to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), contradicting their party’s broader stance against the agency’s recent activities. The $64.4 billion Department of Homeland Security bill passed by a vote of 220-207, with representatives like Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, and Jared Golden among those voting in favor despite criticism from colleagues.
Motivations Behind Funding Vote
Democrats who supported the bill argued that it funds essential services like FEMA disaster response, TSA security, and other critical agencies. Representative Pramila Jayapal warned that supporting ICE could have negative implications for Democrats in upcoming midterms: “You can’t out-Republican Republicans because you’re going to lose your base.” This vote highlights the complex interplay between policy positions and political realities within Congress.
The articles reveal a multifaceted landscape of controversies and conflicts within government agencies, highlighting ongoing debates over immigration policies, internal agency dynamics, and broader political divisions. As these issues continue to unfold, their impact on U.S. politics and society remains a critical area of focus for journalists and the public alike.
