Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security Secretary, is reportedly still living in a guarded waterfront residence on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, a Washington-area military base, seven weeks after being removed from her Cabinet position. The residence, previously reserved for the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, was provided to Noem during her tenure leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to reports, President Donald Trump had fired the prior commandant last year, after which Noem moved into those quarters. She has allegedly remained in the home more than a month after her planned departure from the DHS.
Despite her removal from the Homeland Security Secretary role, Noem continues to serve in the administration. President Trump appointed her as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a State Department office tasked with combating international drug cartels. Sources familiar with the situation described this appointment as a "soft landing" following her departure from Homeland Security. The new office has reportedly experienced staffing challenges, with nearly half of its employees placed on administrative leave in March, according to the same source.
The continued occupation of the military base residence by Noem has raised questions, particularly as the current Coast Guard leader, Kevin Lunday, has reportedly informed associates of his intent to move into the home soon. Lunday is currently residing in an adjacent home originally designed for vice commandants. The report did not specify whether Noem’s continued use of the government-provided housing is formally authorized under her new State Department position. The White House declined to comment on the matter.
Further reports have drawn attention to Noem’s longtime adviser, Corey Lewandowski. Lewandowski has reportedly been seen entering and leaving the base residence over the past year. The Daily Mail previously published photographs of him leaving other residences associated with Noem in Washington. Both Noem and Lewandowski have publicly denied any rumors of an affair. Lewandowski stated that numerous individuals visited Noem at the house for legitimate business purposes.
Noem and Lewandowski were reportedly pushed out of DHS after President Trump expressed frustration during Senate questioning regarding a $220 million advertising campaign initiated by the department. One particular advertisement reportedly featured Noem riding a horse near Mount Rushmore with bison stampeding nearby. President Trump was reportedly unhappy because he had not been informed about the significant spending beforehand.
Adding to the context of Noem's departure from DHS, an Inspector General investigation was referenced in connection with alleged no-bid contracts, conflicts of interest, and influence concerns tied to her tenure. Notices were reportedly sent ordering dozens of officials to preserve communications, including emails, texts, phone records, and other documents related to the investigation. However, the reports available did not cite any criminal findings resulting from this investigation. The immediate focus of current reports appears to be Noem’s continued use of government-provided housing after her initial Cabinet role concluded, and the lack of clarity regarding the authorization of this arrangement under her new State Department capacity.
