The Truth About Kristi Noem And Corey Lewandowski

What's really going on between Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski? Lewandowski found himself firmly in the headlines again in September as speculation about his personal life hit fever pitch. 

The longtime Donald Trump aide was accused by a donor to the Trump campaign, Trashelle Odom, "of making unwanted sexual advances toward her" during a charity event, according to Politico, with four people claiming to have witnessed the alleged behavior. "I am coming forward because he needs to be held accountable. I am blessed to have a loving husband and family behind me. I want other women to know that you can be heard, too, and together we can stop terrible things like this from happening," Odom said.

Lewandowski's attorney, David Chesnoff, hit back at the claims, saying, "Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response."

But that's not the only reason the man in Trump's inner circle is hitting the headlines. Around the same time as the allegations were made, his personal life has also been under scrutiny over his relationship with Gov. Kristi Noem — and she's speaking out too.

Keep reading for what you need to know about Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski's relationship.

Kristi Noem denied having an affair with Corey Lewandowski

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem had a lot to say about Donald Trump's ex-campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, on social media on September 29. Noem took to Twitter to take on the allegations which claimed she and Lewandowski allegedly had an affair, with both being married to other people for several years.

Shortly after the rumors surfaced, Noem tweeted, "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." She then spoke about her husband, Byron Noem, writing, "I love Bryon. I'm proud of the God-fearing family we've raised together. Now I'm getting back to work."

Noem and her husband share three children together and have been married since 1992, while Lewandowski has four children and married his wife, Alison Lewandowski, in 2005.

The infidelity rumors appeared to stem from a report by American Greatness journalist Pedro Gonzalez, who stood by his claims on social media. Gonzalez hit back at Noem on Twitter, writing in response to her retort, "Hi Noem, please tag me next time. Which rumors? That you caved to Amazon, the chamber of commerce, and the NCAA on a transgender sports bill? That you used your office to strong-arm and force a woman to retire to get your daughter a job? Or the allegations about Lewandowski?"

Why was Kristi Noem accused of having an affair with Corey Lewandowski?

Pedro Gonzalez's American Greatness report, published on September 28, alleged that Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski were having what he described as "an extramarital affair," citing information obtained from unnamed sources. He claimed the two married political figures had supposedly been romantically involved for "months."

The article pointed to a number of times Noem and Lewandowski's have been together at public events, including stating the two traveled the country together as Noem campaigned for Donald Trump to be re-elected for a second term. Gonzalez claimed to have contacted Noem for comment before the story was published, but had not received one before the article went live. 

The journalist also appeared to stand by his story, sharing a link to the article on Twitter and controversially adding in a thread of tweets that followed, "Noem fans will pretend that this has no bearing on her politics, but the reports of an affair with Lewandowski and strong-arming nepotism represent personal duplicity in a woman who has already proven politically hypocritical. The two are connected."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).