In a biting segment on his late-night show, Stephen Colbert delivered a sharp warning to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's alleged paramour, Corey Lewandowski, amid swirling rumors of an extramarital affair. The comedic host suggested that Lewandowski should be particularly cautious about where he chooses to "whippet out," weaving in a darkly humorous reference to Noem's infamous history of shooting her own dog.
The Allegations and Denials
Last week, The Wall Street Journal published a detailed report alleging that Noem, 54, and Lewandowski, 52, both married with children, are engaged in a romantic relationship. The publication cited individuals familiar with the matter, who claimed the two Trump administration officials have been traveling together on a luxury 737 MAX jet equipped with a private cabin. Despite these claims, both Noem and Lewandowski have firmly denied the rumors, maintaining their innocence in the face of mounting speculation.
Colbert's Comedic Take
During Monday's episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," the host seized on the scandal, blending political satire with personal history. "If that romantic part is true," Colbert remarked, referring to the alleged affair, "Corey — a word of warning: Avoid doggy style." The audience erupted in laughter, setting the stage for a series of jokes that tied the allegations to Noem's controversial past.
Colbert further elaborated, noting that there is one specific area of Noem's property that should be strictly off-limits for any romantic encounters. "Especially near the gravel pit," he quipped, a direct nod to the location where Noem admitted to shooting her dog. This reference added a layer of macabre humor to the segment, highlighting the intersection of personal scandal and public memory.
Noem's Controversial History
The backdrop to Colbert's jokes is Noem's own account of shooting her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer, Cricket, in 2024 while she was still the governor of South Dakota. In her book, Noem described the dog as "untrainable," "dangerous to anyone she came in contact with," and "less than worthless ... as a hunting dog." She revealed that she put down Cricket in a gravel pit on her property, a decision that sparked widespread outrage and continues to haunt her public image.
This incident has become a recurring theme in discussions about Noem, often used by critics and comedians alike to underscore her controversial actions. Colbert's segment is just the latest example of how this personal history is leveraged in political and entertainment commentary, blending serious allegations with satirical critique.
Broader Implications
The affair rumors, coupled with Noem's past, raise questions about the personal conduct of public officials and how it intersects with their professional roles. As Homeland Security Secretary, Noem holds a position of significant responsibility, and such scandals can impact public perception and trust. Meanwhile, Lewandowski, a longtime political operative, finds himself embroiled in a personal controversy that adds to the complex narrative of Trump-era figures.
Colbert's jokes, while humorous, also reflect a broader cultural tendency to scrutinize the private lives of politicians, especially when their actions invite criticism. The segment underscores how comedy can serve as a vehicle for political commentary, using wit to address serious issues while entertaining audiences.
As the story develops, both Noem and Lewandowski continue to deny the allegations, leaving the public to weigh the claims against their denials. For now, Colbert's warning stands as a memorable, if cheeky, footnote in this unfolding saga, reminding everyone that in politics, personal history is never far from the spotlight.
