Trump's Homeland Security Department Descends into Chaos Over Minneapolis Shooting Fallout
As the Trump administration grapples with the escalating immigration crisis in Minneapolis, a bitter internal power struggle has erupted within the Department of Homeland Security, threatening the position of one of the president's most controversial advisors.
Corey Lewandowski, the bare-knuckle political operative who has wielded unprecedented influence within DHS, now faces potential removal from his role following allegations he coordinated an attack against Stephen Miller, President Trump's most trusted immigration advisor.
The Minneapolis Shooting That Sparked the Feud
The controversy centres on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an armed ICU nurse, by immigration agents during deportation operations in Minneapolis last Saturday. The incident triggered immediate backlash and conflicting narratives within the administration.
Kristi Noem, Lewandowski's boss and rumoured romantic partner, initially claimed Pretti had intended to 'massacre' officers before White House officials walked back these statements when it emerged the nurse had his firearm removed when shot.
Noem sought to shift responsibility onto Miller, telling reporters: 'Everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the President and Stephen.' Within hours, Miller issued his own statement blaming Border Patrol for the faulty intelligence while privately fuming over Noem's attempt to implicate him.
Lewandowski's Coordinated Attack Backfires
Multiple administration sources reveal Lewandowski orchestrated the effort to blame Miller as part of a broader strategy to protect Noem's career and, by extension, his own position. The manoeuvre has spectacularly backfired, exposing deep divisions within DHS.
'That's just something you don't do,' one administration official stated. 'As a leader, if something comes out of your mouth, it doesn't matter if somebody told you to say it. You should have verified it. You never blame other people or throw them under the bus.'
Another Homeland Security official observed: 'They are all trying to blame each other,' while predicting Miller would emerge victorious from the confrontation due to his status as Trump's most trusted ally.
The 'Cockroach' Who May Finally Be Exterminated
Lewandowski, who infamously served as Trump's 2016 campaign manager before being ousted by Ivanka Trump, has weathered numerous scandals while clinging to power. Washington insiders have compared his resilience to that of a cockroach, noting his remarkable ability to survive political crises.
'Corey is like a cockroach; he just never goes away and always survives,' a GOP political operative close to the White House remarked.
However, current indications suggest this time may be different. A DHS official revealed speaking with aides close to Noem who claim Lewandowski, serving as her de-facto chief of staff under special government employee status, is about to be 'out the door.' This status has allowed him to avoid disclosing private financial earnings while working in government.
Miller's Unassailable Position
Insiders unanimously agree Stephen Miller will survive this latest confrontation unscathed. 'It's not Noem, it's Miller,' one official emphasised. 'Miller was there for the first administration. A lot of people call him Trump's hatchet man, and what he says, Trump will go by.'
When questioned about Noem's attempts to pin blame on Miller for the messaging following the Pretti shooting, Miller's wife Katie declined to comment, stating: 'The Miller camp does not talk to reporters. Full stop. Everyone else can do whatever they want.'
Noem's Diminishing Power and Possible Exit
While there are reportedly no immediate plans to fire Noem, White House insiders suggest she will receive a soft landing in coming months. Speculation indicates she might launch a bid in South Dakota's 2026 Senate primary or begin groundwork for a presidential run in 2028.
Trump has already responded to the Minneapolis immigration crisis by sidelining both Noem and Lewandowski from the crackdown, instead installing her longtime rival, border czar Tom Homan. During a Thursday press conference, Homan promised to implement a 'draw down' of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis if local officials cooperate.
Significantly, Noem's chief rival, Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott, stood directly behind Homan during these remarks, solidifying Homan's authority over Minneapolis immigration operations.
Deepening Rifts and Leak Allegations
The feud between Homan and Noem intensified last September after media allegations emerged that Homan had been recorded in 2024 accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents. Sources close to Homan believe Lewandowski orchestrated this bribery leak, further dividing DHS into rival camps: Team Noem and Team Homan.
Lewandowski has publicly accused Homan of leaking to media, prompting a rare White House condemnation. This followed December reports that Lewandowski had pressured ICE officials to provide him with a badge and gun, even demanding it during interviews with potential ICE director candidates.
'I don't know how many times Tom Homan can pitch you the same story,' Lewandowski responded angrily to these allegations. 'He's your source, not mine.'
The White House, where Miller holds considerable sway, issued a statement rejecting Lewandowski's claims and defending Homan, taking sides for the first time in the long-simmering feud.
Potential Cabinet Shakeup and Succession Speculation
With the power couple sidelined from Minneapolis operations, DHS sources are increasingly discussing a possible cabinet shakeup. Multiple current and former officials identify former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin as a strong contender to replace Noem.
'That's been rumbling around for a couple weeks and that's still in play,' one official shared, noting quiet communications between Youngkin and the White House.
Noem's power within DHS remains closely tied to Lewandowski, who followed her from South Dakota where he served as her advisor during her governorship. 'He makes bad decisions, and he always wants to be with Kristi. That is going to be her downfall,' concluded a DHS official.
Despite the turmoil and widespread condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans, sources close to the White House predict Stephen Miller will remain untouched, maintaining his position as Trump's most trusted immigration advisor through yet another administration crisis.
