Fact check: Married South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) has been having a years-long affair with married Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski

1. Summary of the results

The analyses reveal mixed evidence regarding the alleged affair between South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski. The most recent sources from 2025 provide the strongest support for the claim, with detailed reporting about their close living arrangements and frequent visits to each other's residences ^[1]. These sources describe their relationship as spanning several years, dating back to at least 2019 ^[1].

Multiple sources confirm that Lewandowski holds a formal role as a "special government employee" with Noem's administration and frequently accompanies her to meetings ^[2]. However, the sources also note that both parties have previously denied the affair allegations, with Noem specifically calling such claims a "disgusting lie" ^[3].

The evidence appears strongest in sources published in April 2025, which provide the most detailed accounts of their alleged relationship, while earlier sources from 2023 were more cautious, suggesting the relationship was "inappropriate" without directly confirming an affair ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement omits several crucial pieces of context that emerge from the analyses:

• Lewandowski's documented history of alleged misconduct and sexual harassment is mentioned across multiple sources ^{[1] [4] [5]}, which provides important background for understanding why this relationship would be particularly controversial.
• The analyses reveal that Lewandowski has faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment from other women, including incidents that led to him being "put in a box" by Trump campaign officials ^{[6] [5]}.
• Sources question why Noem would associate with Lewandowski given his reputation, suggesting this could damage her political standing regardless of whether an affair occurred ^[4].
• The formal denial by both parties is a significant aspect missing from the original statement, as Noem has specifically characterized such allegations as lies ^[3].
• The relationship has professional dimensions beyond any personal allegations, with Lewandowski serving in an official capacity in Noem's administration ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement presents the affair as established fact rather than allegation, which may constitute bias given that:

• Both parties have explicitly denied the relationship ^[3], yet the statement presents it as confirmed truth.
• While some sources provide detailed circumstantial evidence ^[1], others are more cautious and reference "rumors" rather than confirmed facts ^[2].
• The statement lacks attribution to sources or acknowledgment of the disputed nature of these claims, potentially misleading readers about the certainty of the allegations.
• Political motivations could benefit various actors: opponents of both Noem and Trump would benefit from these allegations being accepted as true, while supporters would benefit from them being dismissed as false political attacks.

The framing suggests definitive knowledge of a private relationship without acknowledging the contested nature of these claims or the denials from the involved parties.