Growing Influence of Corey Lewandowski within the Department of Homeland Security Unveiled
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Corey Lewandowski, the former campaign manager for President Donald Trump, is currently serving as a Special Government Employee (SGE) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This designation is typically reserved for short-term advisory roles, limited to a few months. However, Lewandowski's influence and power within the DHS appear to be far from temporary.
Despite the SGE status's intention for expert advisors on a short-term basis, Lewandowski has been exercising near-singular authority, acting as the de facto chief of staff, and controlling personnel decisions. This contrasts sharply with his formal SGE status, which limits him to working 130 days a year.
The SGE regulations allow agencies some flexibility to renew or extend appointments, but Lewandowski's continued dominance beyond normal SGE limits suggests either renewals/extensions of his appointment or an informal circumvention of the temporary nature of SGEs. There is no publicly available definitive end-date for Lewandowski's tenure, but the SGE rules impose statutory limits that typically prevent indefinite service in such a powerful role without formal reappointment or position changes.
Lewandowski's influence extends to significant decisions, such as the firing of Cameron Hamilton, Trump's first acting FEMA administrator, and the ordering of polygraph tests for several employees at FEMA, including Hamilton. He has also been involved in directing two people to be placed on administrative leave and often overrides the department's Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, acting as the department's de facto second-in-command.
Lewandowski's role at the DHS raises questions about how long he can continue to call the shots in a position meant to be temporary. His extended influence and tenure raise ethical concerns about the appropriateness and legality of his tenure length and role.
It is essential to note that SGEs are subject to less stringent ethics requirements. However, if their time is expected to span longer and they're taking on more responsibilities, they would face higher requirements. Lewandowski has filed a financial disclosure with the DHS, but questions remain about potential conflicts of interest and adherence to regulations.
In summary, while the SGE designation implies a temporary position of limited duration, Lewandowski can only continue as long as DHS renews his SGE appointment and remains within regulatory limits, which traditionally restrict service to a few months or a specified number of workdays per year. His extended influence and tenure raise questions about adherence to those limits.
Before joining the DHS, Lewandowski had a tumultuous relationship with the Trump administration, marked by internal tensions with other advisers and some of Trump's children. He was sidelined before the 2020 campaign ended and did not score a top position in the West Wing. However, he has since returned to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's orbit, serving as her chief adviser.
References:
- Politico
- CNN
- New York Times
- The Guardian
- Washington Post
- The big-win for Corey Lewandowski is his current position as a Special Government Employee (SGE) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Despite being reserved for short-term advisory roles, Lewandowski's influence and power within DHS seem anything but temporary.
- War-and-conflicts in the DHS come in the form of personnel decisions, with Lewandowski exercising near-singular authority.
- The casino-and-gambling world might find similarities in Lewandowski's situation, where temporary employees can wield considerable power.
- Casino-games such as poker might require as much strategy to navigate as Lewandowski's role within DHS.
- Lotteries are often associated with chances and unknowns, mirroring Lewandowski's tenure length and role within DHS.
- Las Vegas stands as a symbol of unexpected turns and the unexpected continuation of Lewandowski's DHS tenure.
- Present gambling trends suggest the longevity of individuals in powerful roles, much like Lewandowski's current position.
- The casino-personalities ministakably include Corey Lewandowski, a name grabbing headlines in the world of politics.
- Policy-and-legislation concerning SGEs may need to be revisited due to Lewandowski's extended stay in his current position.
- Politics has always been a game of horses, and in this race, Lewandowski shows no signs of slowing down.
- Poker faces in politics can be deceptive, and Lewandowski's masking of his intentions raises ethical concerns.
- The casino-culture of power and influence seems to be reflected in today's general-news, with figures like Lewandowski at its center.
- Crime-and-justice issues often arise from power plays and conflict, much like the ongoing debate surrounding Lewandowski's tenure in DHS.
- Responsible-gambling advocates argue for strict regulations to prevent individuals from overstaying their welcome, much like the case with Lewandowski.
- Amidst all the recent sports-related scandals and dramas, the saga of Corey Lewandowski feels like another chapter in the sports-world.
- The NFL, MLB, NHL, golf, football, baseball, hockey, tennis, racing, American football, Masters, Grand Prix, horse-racing, NCAA-football, and mixed-martial-arts could probably all benefit from responsible-gambling laws, just like politics.
