South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and her former aide Corey Lewandowski were seen together in Minnesota, described by an insider as "closer than ever" amid Noem's divorce proceedings. The pair were photographed dining at an outdoor restaurant and later riding bicycles along Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, Minnesota, on Tuesday.
Noem, 54, and Lewandowski, 52, were dressed casually for the outing. Noem wore a flannel shirt and a floppy hat, while Lewandowski sported a black T-shirt and sunglasses. Images showed them laughing while waiting for food and later enjoying a bike ride.
An unnamed source told the Daily Mail that Noem and Lewandowski are devoted to one another, stating Lewandowski has been a source of support for Noem, particularly following her departure from the Department of Homeland Security and public revelations about her husband's activities.
Noem is currently undergoing a divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, 56. The couple, married since 1992, share three adult children. The decision to divorce was reportedly difficult, with a source close to Noem stating she "loves Bryon. Always will. She wants the best for him."
Reports surfaced in March that Bryon Noem had been involved in online fetish communities, a scandal that reportedly left the governor "blindsided" and "devastated." Her mother confirmed in April that Noem was seeking a divorce, calling the revelations the "unbearable final blow" to their 34-year marriage.
Noem was previously ousted from her role at the Department of Homeland Security in March over an alleged affair, though she did not directly deny it when questioned during a congressional hearing. She has since been reassigned to lead a smaller agency within the State Department. Noem and Lewandowski have previously denied any romantic relationship.