Why this picture of Kristi Noem is causing a stir

Politics
26 Mar 2026 • 6:51 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Kristi Noem, recently appointed special envoy for "The Shield of Americas," visited South America with her adviser Corey Lewandowski, sparking controversy.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Guyana shared photos of Noem's meeting with President Irfaan Ali, with Lewandowski visible next to her, leading to social media scrutiny.
  • Noem's trip, which included stops in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guyana, was part of a new security initiative to combat drug cartels.
  • The pair travelled on a Homeland Security Department plane, raising questions about the use of taxpayer funds for Lewandowski, who is not a State Department employee.
  • The visit reignited allegations of a taxpayer-funded affair between Noem and Lewandowski, both of whom are married and have previously denied the rumours.

IN FULL