Controversial South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem has completely cut ties with former Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski who was also advising Noem.
The move came just a day after refuting claims she was having an affair with him.
Noem staffer Ian Fury told Politico:
"Corey was always a volunteer, never paid a dime (campaign or official). He will not be advising the Governor in regard to the campaign or official office."
NEWS - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has severed ties with Corey Lewandowski\n\n"Corey was always a volunteer, never paid a dime (campaign or official). He will not be advising the Governor in regard to the campaign or official office," says Noem spokesman Ian Fury— Alex Isenstadt (@Alex Isenstadt) 1633016214
In addition to cutting ties with Lewandowski, Noem vehemently denied reports she was having an extramarital affair with him.
"These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie. These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help."
These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie. These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help.\n\nI love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work— Governor Kristi Noem (@Governor Kristi Noem) 1632939676
Her vehement denials and distancing herself from Lewandowski came after a report released by conservative news site American Greatnessclaiming multiple anonymous sources confirmed she had been having an affair with him for months.
Exclusive: Sources reveal South Dakota governor and potential 2024 VP candidate Kristi Noem is having an extramarital affair with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.https://amgreatness.com/2021/09/28/kristi-noem-shows-why-republicans-cant-have-nice-things/\u00a0\u2026— Pedro L. Gonzalez (@Pedro L. Gonzalez) 1632916004
Just in case Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem act like they\u2019ve never met.pic.twitter.com/avyetR9KBq— Scott Dworkin (@Scott Dworkin) 1632933254
Twitter users largely seemed not to believe Noem's denials.
"I did NOT have advising relations with that woman!!!"— Max Juxtaposition (@Max Juxtaposition) 1633037535
No more pillow talk. She found out the married guy she was having an affair with, while she herself is still married, tried to schtup another married woman. This is the product of that meltdown.— \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0fScott Elliston\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0fScott Elliston\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8) 1633036955
They can all get advised for all I care.— Michaleen (@Michaleen) 1633019082
This might be the first time that the man in the affair is the one suffering the fall out when it\u2019s exposed. But them again, she\u2019s the one with more power.— FiddleDeeDee (@FiddleDeeDee) 1633026348
Noem is evidently not the only one cutting ties with Lewandowski.
Charles Herbster, a Republican running for governor in Nebraska, also dropped him as an advisor.
The Herbster campaign had celebrated Lewandowski's endorsement and involvement with the campaign.https://twitter.com/jonnykip21/status/1443613523481960459\u00a0\u2026— Aaron Sanderford (@Aaron Sanderford) 1633020564
He said in a statement on Thursday:
"I have known Corey Lewandowski since 2015 when I was an early and steadfast supporter of Donald J. Trump for President. Most recently, Corey has been one of my senior campaign advisors as I run for governor of the state of Nebraska."
"I've asked Corey to step back from this role. Corey and his family will remain in my prayers."
Noem and Herbster's moves to drop all association with Lewandowski also came after he was removed from his capacity as leader of Trump's SuperPAC, Make America Great Again Action, over allegations from a major donor he had sexually harassed her.
Lewandowski runs Trump\u2019s super PAC and is a top adviser to Gov Noem. The details in this story - of relentless sexual harassment at a public event - are sickening. https://politi.co/3ulGIJk\u00a0 via @politico— Jonathan Swan (@Jonathan Swan) 1632939267
The donor, Trashelle Odom, said Lewandowski touched her on both her legs and buttocks, referred to his genitals and sexual abilities and followed her during a charity event in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Odom also said she was afraid of Lewandowski because he talked about past violent behavior and bragged about his close involvement with Trump's political activities.
@PreetBharara/X
@RepBrendanBoyle/X
@twesq/Bluesky
@christopherharris/Bluesky
@evangelinewarren/X
@FrankC164/X
AMC