Internal Rifts Deepen in Trump Administration Following Deadly Minneapolis Incident

Amid escalating tensions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the handling of deportations in Minneapolis, Corey Lewandowski, a key advisor known for his resilience in political battles, faces potential dismissal. Sources within the administration indicate that Lewandowski allegedly orchestrated efforts to deflect blame from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem onto Stephen Miller, one of President Trump’s most trusted aides, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an armed ICU nurse, by immigration agents.

The incident unfolded on Saturday in Minneapolis, where Pretti was shot after a confrontation with Border Patrol agents. Initial claims from Noem suggested Pretti intended to ‘massacre’ officers, but subsequent revelations showed his firearm had been removed prior to the shooting. White House officials quickly retracted these statements, intensifying scrutiny on Noem’s leadership.

Noem Shifts Blame, Sparking Internal Backlash

In response to mounting criticism, Noem publicly attributed her actions to directives from President Trump and Miller, stating to reporters: ‘Everything I’ve done, I’ve done at the direction of the President and Stephen.’ Miller countered with a statement faulting Border Patrol for providing faulty intelligence on the shooting, while privately expressing frustration over Noem’s attempt to implicate him.

Administration insiders describe the maneuver as a coordinated strategy by Lewandowski to protect Noem’s position—and by extension, his own influence within DHS. One senior official noted, ‘That’s just something you don’t do. 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 DHS source highlighted the finger-pointing: ‘They are all trying to blame each other.’ However, observers predict Miller will emerge stronger, given his long-standing role as Trump’s ‘hatchet man’ from the first administration. ‘It’s not Noem, it’s Miller,’ the source added. ‘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.’

Lewandowski’s Precarious Position and Past Scandals

Lewandowski serves as a ‘special government employee’ (SGE), a role that exempts him from disclosing private financial earnings while advising Noem, effectively acting as her chief of staff. Aides close to Noem report that Lewandowski could soon be ‘out the door’ amid the fallout.

Despite his history of surviving controversies—including his ouster as Trump’s 2016 campaign manager—Washington observers remain skeptical of his departure. One GOP operative remarked, ‘Corey is like a cockroach; he just never goes away and always survives.’

President Trump defended Noem in a late-night Truth Social post on Friday, suggesting critics target her ‘because she is a woman, and has done a really GREAT JOB!’ Yet, insiders believe this crisis marks a turning point for the pair.

Rivalries and Leadership Shifts in DHS

The discord extends to Noem’s rivalries within the agency. Trump has sidelined Noem and Lewandowski from the Minneapolis operations, appointing border czar Tom Homan to lead a ‘draw down’ of enforcement if local officials cooperate. During a Thursday press conference, Homan announced the plan, with Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott— a close ally and Noem adversary—standing prominently behind him.

Sources reveal prior attempts by Noem and Lewandowski to oust Scott, including rejecting his office renovation requests, but these efforts faced resistance from White House allies of Homan. ‘Rodney and Homan grew up together in the agency,’ one DHS official explained. ‘They’re going to stick up for each other. That’s why Rodney was up there this morning behind Homan and not her.’

The feud intensified last September when allegations surfaced that Homan accepted $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents in a 2024 sting operation. The Justice Department reportedly closed the probe after Trump’s inauguration. Insiders close to Homan suspect Lewandowski leaked the story, deepening the divide into ‘Team Noem’ and ‘Team Homan’ factions.

Lewandowski has accused Homan of media leaks, including a December report that he pressured ICE officials for a badge and gun during an interview with a potential director candidate. In a heated response, Lewandowski denied involvement, stating, ‘I don’t know how many times Tom Homan can pitch you the same story. He’s your source, not mine.’

The White House, influenced by Miller, issued a statement supporting Homan: ‘Tom Homan is an American patriot who does not leak to the media and is very respectful of the White House’s press processes. The American people are grateful for Tom’s critical work securing the border and Making America Safe Again. He is an invaluable member of the Administration who is working tirelessly to implement the president’s agenda.’

Potential Cabinet Changes on the Horizon

As the administration distances Noem and Lewandowski from the Minneapolis response, speculation grows about a broader DHS overhaul. Current and former officials point to former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin as a leading candidate to replace Noem. ‘That’s been rumbling around for a couple weeks and that’s still in play,’ one official shared, noting discreet communications with the White House.

Noem’s influence relies heavily on Lewandowski, who advised her during her time as South Dakota governor. A DHS source warned, ‘He makes bad decisions, and he always wants to be with Kristi. That is going to be her downfall.’

While Noem eyes a potential soft landing—such as a 2026 Senate bid in South Dakota or groundwork for a 2028 presidential run—Miller appears secure. His wife, Katie Miller, declined comment on the blame-shifting, stating, ‘The Miller camp does not talk to reporters. Full stop. Everyone else can do whatever they want.’

Criticism of the administration’s handling of the Pretti shooting has drawn bipartisan condemnation, but sources expect Miller to weather the storm unscathed.