Full Breakdown
Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Remains in Coast Guard Waterfront Residence After Dismissal
4/24/2026, 7:56:34 PM
Noem’s Continued Occupancy of the Coast Guard Residence
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been observed entering and leaving a waterfront home on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. six weeks after President Donald Trump removed her from the cabinet on 5 March 2026. The residence is normally assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard commandant. Noem’s aide, former DHS official Corey Lewandowski, has also been spotted at the property during the same period.
Background: Firing and the Residence’s Intended Use
The house became available after Trump dismissed Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan in 2025. While serving as DHS secretary, Noem moved into the dwelling, citing threats that required protection. After her removal, she was appointed “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas—Western Hemisphere,” a State Department role that does not place her under the Department of Homeland Security’s jurisdiction.
Key Individuals Involved
- Kristi Noem – Ex-Secretary of Homeland Security; now Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
- Corey Lewandowski – Former DHS aide and rumored romantic partner; married to Alison Lewandowski.
- Admiral Kevin Lunday – Current Coast Guard commandant, residing in the adjacent vice-commandant house and planning to move into Noem’s residence.
- Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) – Congressional critic who has publicly accused Noem of “living rent-free in the official waterfront residence reserved for the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.”
Timeline and Duration
- 5 Mar 2026 – President Trump fires Noem as DHS secretary.
- Late Mar 2026 – Noem remains in the Coast Guard home; reports of continued presence emerge.
- 24 Apr 2026 – Wall Street Journal and other outlets confirm Noem and Lewandowski still occupy the residence, noting a black SUV at the site.
- ~6 weeks – Total elapsed time between dismissal and latest sightings.
Official Statements & Responses
Lewandowski, speaking through an attorney, said that “Scores of people have visited Ms. Noem at the house in a business capacity.” Admiral Lunday reportedly told associates he intends to relocate to the same house “imminently,” prompting a planned shuffle of senior Coast Guard housing. Noem herself dismissed rumors of an affair as “tabloid garbage.” No federal agency has offered a formal comment on her continued occupancy.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin labeled the arrangement an abuse of taxpayer-funded housing, echoing broader concerns about Noem’s use of public resources after the “costly $220 million TV ad campaign” that featured her on horseback before Mount Rushmore. Critics have also referenced the “ICE Barbie” nickname applied to Noem in media coverage of the controversy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on why Noem has not vacated the property. Some cite personal safety threats; others note the lack of an official directive from the State Department or DHS. No agency has confirmed whether the residence is being used under any formal agreement, leaving the legal basis of her occupancy unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Scores of people have visited Ms. Noem at the house in a business capacity.” — Corey Lewandowski, former DHS aide
- “tabloid garbage.” — Kristi Noem, responding to affair allegations
- “imminently,” — Admiral Kevin Lunday, Coast Guard commandant (on planned move)
- “living rent-free in the official waterfront residence reserved for the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.” — Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
What’s Next
Admiral Lunday’s anticipated relocation could force Noem to vacate the residence within weeks. Congressional committees are expected to question both Noem’s housing situation and the broader use of DHS-related properties during upcoming hearings. Further statements from the State Department or DHS may clarify the legal status of the occupancy.
