Kristi Noem has some explaining to do.
South Dakota’s God-fearing, LGBTQ-hating governor was photographed with Donald Trump‘s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski at the annual gala for Kickstart Kids, a non-profit martial arts program for youth, in Houston, Texas over the weekend.
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Greg Travis, who is currently running for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, posted a photo of himself and his wife beside Noem and Lewandowski to Twitter, along with the caption: “Julie and I with Governor Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski. Hanging out with Keith and Alice Mosing and Chuck and Gena Norris at the Kickstart Kids Annual Gala. Great program worthy of suppprt [sic].”
Julie and I with Governor Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.
Hanging out with Keith and Alice Mosing and Chuck and Gena Norris at the Kickstart Kids Annual Gala.
Great program worthy of suppprt. pic.twitter.com/NOPjpYwh0p
— Greg Travis (@GregTravisforTX) April 10, 2022
So why is this such a big deal?
Well, rumors that Noem and Lewandowski were having an affair swirled last September when a report by the right-wing blog American Greatness alleged the pair had been seeing each other for some time and that the relationship wasn’t exactly a secret among GOP insiders.
“There are members of Congress close to Mar-a-Lago who have called the affair ‘an open secret’ and worried about Noem’s viability as a national candidate and within the movement,” an unnamed source claimed.
At the time, Lewandowski was a top adviser to Noem and had traveled around the country with her, introducing her to major GOP donors and power players.
In response, Noem issued a strongly-worded tweet, saying, “These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie. These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can’t achieve anything without a man’s help.”
The “family values” Republican went on to say that she loves her husband, Bryon, very much and that she wasn’t going to let such nonsense keep her from doing her job of running her state as deeply into the ground as possible by ignoring science, attacking trans kids, and issuing draconian executive orders before her terms ends in 2023.
These rumors are total garbage and a disgusting lie. These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can't achieve anything without a man's help.
I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 29, 2021
At the same time the affair rumors began circulating, another story involving Lewandowski was published by Politico alleging that he made unwanted sexual advances toward a female Trump donor at a Las Vegas charity event, where Noem was also in attendance, in September 2021.
In response, his attorney said, “Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response.”
Related: Gov. Kristi Noem has been on a homophobic hate bender for the last 48 hours on Twitter
After that, Noem distanced herself from Lewandowski, dropping him as an adviser and having her spokesperson issue a statement clarifying that he was “always a volunteer, never paid a dime (campaign or official).”
But apparently, he’s back in her good graces since the two appear to have spent time together last weekend at the Hilton Americas-Houston, where the Kickstart Kids Annual Gala was held.
Neither Noem nor Lewandowski posted anything to their social media pages about being in Houston on Saturday night, though the governor did wish everyone “blessings of fellowship and family” on Palm Sunday at 7 AM the next day.
Now, here are some responses to Travis’ tweet…
Hold up…the Corey and Kristi…huh, guess that’s still happening
— 4 Seasons 4 Life 🌻 (@islandofcrazy) April 12, 2022
Well, well, well. I, for one, feel sorry for Bryon Noem.
— JacqE (@jackieedinger) April 12, 2022
— Clark (@Clark408) April 12, 2022
Kristi and Corey an item?….
— sodakgrumpyoldman (@joerm1) April 12, 2022
So glad you brought the 2 lovers together again.
— JustSimplyMe (@JustSimplyMe9) April 12, 2022
Greg, did you ask @govkristinoem if you could post this picture? Because according to her office she and Corey cut ties six months ago and for very pertinent reasons…
— NastyBreath (@garlic_n_onion) April 12, 2022
Hmm…more “consulting “…I wonder where Krusty’s husband is?
— fGustavek (@f_gustavek) April 12, 2022
Shouldn’t @govkristinoem be doing these type of events in the state she governs? O wait she’s probably on vaca again with her boyfriend Corey. In Texas. On our dime I’m sure.
— KB (@Nooneelsewil) April 12, 2022
Good to see her and Corey back together
— David (@SDBlanketFlower) April 12, 2022
Taxpayers $ money going to support an affair. Showing it’s O.K. to have an affair is a great way to Kickstart Kids.
— Neil Nealey (@neil_nealey) April 12, 2022
johncp56
The moment anyone states God-fearing run!!! the hate and lies mount up fast keep your F!@#$%^&*(king Religions out of my gov
Max
so right!