Hold onto your hats, folks—rumors of favoritism in Trump’s inner circle just took a wild turn with a bombshell claim about a high-stakes cabinet pick.

A new book by Jonathan Karl, titled Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America, dives deep into the drama surrounding Donald Trump’s selection of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, alleging it was more about personal loyalty to someone close to her than about merit, as the Daily Mail reports.

Let’s rewind to the early days of Trump’s political journey, where Corey Lewandowski first emerged as a key adviser during the 2016 campaign, only to face a rocky exit at the urging of Jared and Ivanka Kushner. Despite the turbulence, Lewandowski clung to Trump’s orbit, known for his fiery demeanor and a string of controversies, including a 2016 arrest for an altercation with a reporter -- though charges were dropped.

Unpacking the Noem-Lewandowski connection

Fast forward to 2019, and whispers of a close bond between Lewandowski and Noem began to surface, with the pair spotted together on the campaign trail and even during a fishing trip hosted by a prominent GOP donor. Their companionship became an open secret in Republican circles, especially as they traveled together for political events amid a South Dakota snowstorm that year.

The Daily Mail later reported in September 2023 on an alleged affair dating back to 2019, a claim both Noem and Lewandowski have firmly denied while remaining married to their respective spouses. Noem, a four-term U.S. House member before becoming governor in 2018 on a platform of family values, is married to Bryon since 1992 with three children. Lewandowski, wed to Alison Hardy since 2005 and father to four, has stayed silent on the personal rumors.

Lewandowski’s past isn’t without blemish -- allegations of misconduct have trailed him, from a reported incident with singer Joy Villa, who later forgave him, to rumored entanglements with a campaign press secretary. Yet, his influence in Trump’s world endured, eventually landing him back in the fold as a campaign adviser with a role described as guiding senior leadership toward victory.

Trump’s surprising choice sparks debate

When Trump tapped Noem for DHS after his election win, it reportedly caught even his closest advisers off guard, as she wasn’t on the transition team’s shortlist. According to Karl’s book, Trump’s reasoning was blunt and personal, prioritizing loyalty over resumes.

"I did it for Corey," Trump allegedly told a surprised adviser, adding, "It's the only thing Corey asked me for." If true, this quip suggests a decision rooted more in camaraderie than in Noem’s experience, a notion that’s hard to swallow when we’re talking about securing our nation’s borders.

Critics within Trump’s own camp, like Steve Bannon, didn’t hold back on the pick, questioning Noem’s lack of law enforcement background for a role overseeing critical security operations. Bannon’s frustration, as captured in Karl’s book, paints a picture of internal dismay over a choice some see as reckless for such a vital department. Isn’t it fair to ask if personal ties should ever outweigh qualifications at this level?

Security concerns, insider pushback

Lewandowski’s involvement only deepens the controversy, as he now advises DHS in a special government employee role, with some insiders claiming he’s effectively Noem’s unofficial chief of staff. Reports from the Daily Mail highlight serious concerns raised by DHS Chief Security Officer Richard McComb about Lewandowski’s suitability for top-secret clearance, citing foreign financial ties and an ongoing criminal probe. McComb, after voicing over a dozen issues in a memo, was later ousted from his post after nearly a decade of service—coincidence or consequence?

Noem, often dubbed “ICE Barbie” for her visibility with field agents, has her defenders, with the White House pushing back hard against the criticism. "President Trump selected the best and most qualified individuals to serve in his cabinet and work on behalf of the American people," said spokesperson Abigail Jackson. But when whispers of favoritism linger, such statements feel more like a press release than a reassurance.

Lewandowski’s return to Trump’s side during the campaign to reclaim the presidency, alongside other veteran staffers, was framed as a boost, not a shakeup. Yet, his undefined “envoy” role and history of volatile behavior -- described by a defense contractor as a grenade ready to explode after a few drinks—raise eyebrows about his influence behind closed doors.

Balancing loyalty with leadership needs

Then there’s the political cost -- some speculate, as noted in Alex Isenstadt’s book, that the rumored relationship with Lewandowski may have cost Noem a shot at being Trump’s running mate. It’s a reminder that personal entanglements can cast long shadows over public service, especially in an administration already under intense scrutiny.

At the heart of this saga is a question conservatives must wrestle with: how much weight should loyalty carry when the stakes are national security? Noem’s leadership at DHS, under Trump’s direction, has yielded results on border security and deportations, as the White House touts, but the backstory of her appointment risks undermining trust in the process.

Trump’s base cherishes his disregard for establishment norms, but even the most ardent supporters might pause at cabinet picks driven by personal favors rather than proven competence. Let’s champion leaders who fight for our values -- family, safety, and tradition—without letting cronyism sneak through the back door. After all, making America great again shouldn’t mean making exceptions for the well-connected.