WASHINGTON: Questions about personal relationships and leadership surfaced during a US House hearing on Wednesday as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (
pic) appeared before lawmakers.
Noem was questioned about reports alleging a romantic relationship with adviser Corey Lewandowski, which both have previously denied.
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During the hearing, Democratic Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked whether Noem had sexual relations with Lewandowski while serving as director of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Kamlager-Dove asked whether such a relationship occurred at any time during Noem’s tenure, prompting Noem to decline to answer and describe the allegation as “tabloid garbage” and “offensive”.
Kamlager-Dove responded that officials should be able to answer questions if asked whether they are involved with a subordinate, to which Noem replied: “It is garbage!”
The exchange took place during a hearing examining Noem’s leadership of the Department of Homeland Security.
Earlier in the session, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin referred to an incident last spring in which Lewandowski reportedly fired and later rehired a pilot after a blanket belonging to Noem was left on a government jet.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis also criticised Noem’s leadership during the hearing, describing it as a “disaster”, calling for her resignation and raising allegations of corruption within the department.
