Corey R. Lewandowski is an American political operative, lobbyist, political commentator, and author known for his association with Donald Trump. He served as Trump's campaign manager during the initial phase of the 2016 presidential campaign but was later dismissed. Following his departure from the campaign, Lewandowski became a political commentator for media outlets such as One America News Network (OANN), Fox News, and CNN.
September 18, 1973: Corey Lewandowski is born
Corey R. Lewandowski was born on September 18, 1973. He would go on to become a prominent figure in American politics.
1991: Corey Lewandowski graduates from Lowell Catholic High School
Corey Lewandowski graduated from Lowell Catholic High School, a private, college-preparatory school, in 1991.
1994: Corey Lewandowski runs for Massachusetts House of Representatives
In 1994, Corey Lewandowski ran as a write-in candidate for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He lost the election to Democrat Thomas A. Golden Jr.
1995: Corey Lewandowski earns B.A. in political science
Corey Lewandowski graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a B.A. in political science in 1995.
January 1996: Corey Lewandowski begins working as an aide for Peter G. Torkildsen
Corey Lewandowski worked as an aide for Republican Massachusetts Congressman Peter G. Torkildsen starting in January 1996.
January 1997: Corey Lewandowski finishes working as an aide for Peter G. Torkildsen
Corey Lewandowski stopped working as an aide for Republican Massachusetts Congressman Peter G. Torkildsen in January 1997.
December 1997: Corey Lewandowski begins working for Bob Ney
In December 1997, Corey Lewandowski started working as an administrative assistant for Ohio Republican Bob Ney, a U.S. Congressman.
1997: Corey Lewandowski earns master's degree in political science
In 1997, Corey Lewandowski received a master's degree in political science from American University in Washington, DC.
1998: Alison Hardy Marries Brian Kinney
In 1998, Alison Hardy, who would later marry Corey Lewandowski, married Brian Kinney.
1999: Corey Lewandowski arrested for carrying loaded gun
Corey Lewandowski was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor in 1999 for bringing a loaded handgun into the Longworth House Office Building. The charges were dismissed.
2000: George Salem chairs Arab Americans for Bush-Cheney
In 2000, George Salem chaired Arab Americans for Bush-Cheney during the presidential campaign.
February 2001: Corey Lewandowski stops working for Bob Ney
Corey Lewandowski stopped working for Bob Ney in February 2001.
September 11, 2001: Alison Hardy's First Husband Killed in 9/11 Attacks
Brian Kinney, the first husband of Corey Lewandowski's future wife, Alison Hardy, was tragically killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks while aboard United Airlines Flight 175.
2001: Corey Lewandowski works for Republican National Committee
Corey Lewandowski worked as the Northeast legislative political director for the Republican National Committee for most of 2001.
2001: Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development assets frozen
The U.S. government froze the assets of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development in 2001 due to suspicions of ties to Hamas.
2002: Corey Lewandowski manages Robert C. Smith's re-election campaign
Corey Lewandowski served as the campaign manager for U.S. Senator Robert C. Smith of New Hampshire's re-election campaign in 2002.
2003: Corey Lewandowski starts working for New England Seafood Producers Association
Corey Lewandowski began working for the New England Seafood Producers Association in 2003.
September 2004: Corey Lewandowski starts working for Schwartz MSL
Corey Lewandowski started working for Schwartz MSL, a strategic communication and engagement firm, in September 2004.
2004: Corey Lewandowski stops working for New England Seafood Producers Association
Corey Lewandowski stopped working for the New England Seafood Producers Association in 2004.
2005: Lewandowski Marries Alison Hardy
Four years after the death of Alison Hardy's first husband, Corey Lewandowski and Alison Hardy were married in 2005.
2006: Corey Lewandowski graduates from New Hampshire police academy
Corey Lewandowski graduated from the New Hampshire police academy in 2006.
2007: Corey Lewandowski writes letter in support of Bob Ney
In 2007, Corey Lewandowski wrote a letter to the presiding judge asking for leniency in the sentencing of Bob Ney, who faced federal corruption charges.
2008: Passport Systems receives federal funding
Between 2008 and 2011, Passport Systems was awarded over $23.9 million in federal funds.
2008: Corey Lewandowski starts working for Americans for Prosperity
Corey Lewandowski started working for Americans for Prosperity, an advocacy group backed by the Koch brothers, in 2008.
2010: Corey Lewandowski stops working as seasonal marine patrol officer trainee
Corey Lewandowski worked as a seasonal marine patrol officer trainee with the New Hampshire Division of Safety Services from 2006 to 2010.
2010: Lobbying for Borrego Solar and Criticizing Cap-and-Trade Systems
In 2010, while working for Americans for Prosperity, Corey Lewandowski lobbied for Borrego Solar, securing funding for a solar energy project. Simultaneously, he criticized cap-and-trade systems for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, arguing they merely shifted jobs and businesses to other states.
2011: Corey Lewandowski lobbies for Passport Systems
Corey Lewandowski was a registered lobbyist for Schwartz MSL, representing Passport Systems in 2011.
July 2012: Corey Lewandowski stops working for Schwartz MSL
Corey Lewandowski stopped working for Schwartz MSL in July 2012.
2012: Unsuccessful Run for Town Treasurer
In 2012, Corey Lewandowski ran for town treasurer of Windham, New Hampshire, while employed at Americans for Prosperity. His campaign tactics, including utilizing public records laws to investigate local government and employing robocalls to fuel outrage over a visit from President Obama, proved unsuccessful, as he lost the election.
April 2014: First Meeting with Donald Trump
Corey Lewandowski first met Donald Trump at a political event in New Hampshire in April 2014.
January 2015: Hired as Trump Campaign Manager
Corey Lewandowski accepted Donald Trump's offer to become his campaign manager in January 2015, six months before Trump officially launched his campaign.
January 2015: Corey Lewandowski leaves Americans for Prosperity
Corey Lewandowski left his position at Americans for Prosperity in January 2015.
August 2015: Departure of Sam Nunberg
Sam Nunberg was dismissed from the Trump campaign in early August 2015, allegedly at the behest of Corey Lewandowski and Hope Hicks.
February 9, 2016: Praise for New Hampshire Win
Following Trump's victory in the New Hampshire primary on February 9, 2016, Trump commended Corey Lewandowski for his effective ground game strategy.
March 8, 2016: Alleged Altercation with Michelle Fields
On March 8, 2016, Michelle Fields, a reporter with Breitbart News, alleged that Corey Lewandowski physically grabbed her after she attempted to question Donald Trump following a press conference in Jupiter, Florida.
March 10, 2016: Battery Charge Filed Against Lewandowski
Following Michelle Fields' accusations, on March 10, 2016, the Jupiter Police Department charged Corey Lewandowski with simple battery, to which he pleaded not guilty.
March 19, 2016: Criticism for Handling of Protester
Corey Lewandowski faced criticism on March 19, 2016, for his interaction with a protestor at a campaign event in Tucson, Arizona, where video footage appeared to show him grabbing the protestor's collar. Both Lewandowski and the campaign denied any wrongdoing.
April 2016: Waning Influence in Trump Campaign
By April 2016, reports emerged suggesting Corey Lewandowski's influence within the Trump campaign was diminishing.
April 2016: Paul Manafort Joins Trump Campaign
In April 2016, veteran GOP operative Paul Manafort joined the Trump campaign, which at the time, only consisted of a small team.
June 20, 2016: Departure from Trump Campaign
On June 20, 2016, Corey Lewandowski's tenure with the Trump campaign ended. While officially deemed "amicable," reports indicated his dismissal stemmed from internal conflicts with Paul Manafort.
July 2016: Defense of Trump's Controversial Tweet
In July 2016, Corey Lewandowski defended Donald Trump after Trump posted a tweet that many perceived as anti-Semitic. Lewandowski dismissed the criticism as "political correctness run amok."
July 2016: Hired by CNN and Disclosure of Severance Pay
Shortly after departing the Trump campaign, Corey Lewandowski was hired by CNN as a political commentator, despite remaining bound by a non-disclosure agreement with Trump. Following criticism over a lack of transparency, CNN began disclosing on-air that Lewandowski continued to receive severance payments from the Trump campaign while employed by the network.
August 2016: Espouses Birther Conspiracy Theory
In August 2016, Lewandowski publicly supported the "birther" conspiracy theory, which falsely claimed that former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States. This statement drew sharp criticism from fellow panelists.
November 11, 2016: Resignation From CNN
On November 11, 2016, Corey Lewandowski resigned from his role as a commentator for CNN. There was speculation that this move was made in anticipation of him taking a position in the Trump administration.
December 2016: Citgo's Financial Troubles and Potential Takeover
In December 2016, Citgo took a loan from Rosneft, a Russian state-owned oil giant that it could not repay, leading to the threat of a takeover by Rosneft.
December 21, 2016: Corey Lewandowski co-founds Avenue Strategies
On December 21, 2016, Corey Lewandowski co-founded Avenue Strategies, a lobbying firm located near the White House.
2016: Corey Lewandowski is campaign manager for Donald Trump
In 2016, Corey Lewandowski served as the campaign manager for Donald Trump's presidential campaign. He was later fired during the Republican Primary.
2016: Working on Trump's 2016 Presidential Campaign
Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie worked for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
February 2017: Lobbying for Citgo Petroleum Corporation
In February 2017, Corey Lewandowski's firm, Avenue Strategies, agreed to lobby for Citgo Petroleum Corporation, a company owned by the Venezuelan government.
April 28, 2017: Revelation of Washington East West Political Strategies
On April 28, 2017, news broke about Washington East West Political Strategies, an affiliate of Avenue Strategies, which was set up to solicit business internationally, potentially violating lobbying regulations.
May 3, 2017: Scrutiny Over Lobbying Practices
On May 3, 2017, Public Citizen, a government ethics watchdog, requested that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate whether Lewandowski should have registered as a lobbyist.
May 4, 2017: Departure from Avenue Strategies
On May 4, 2017, Corey Lewandowski left his position at Avenue Strategies, the lobbying firm he co-founded.
May 12, 2017: Formation of Lewandowski Strategic Advisors
Eight days after leaving Avenue Strategies, on May 12, 2017, Lewandowski started his own firm, Lewandowski Strategic Advisors, to avoid lobbying disclosure requirements.
May 2017: Corey Lewandowski leaves Avenue Strategies
Corey Lewandowski left Avenue Strategies in May 2017 after co-founding the firm less than a year prior.
June 19, 2017: Oval Office Meeting and Message to Jeff Sessions
Corey Lewandowski met privately with President Trump on June 19, 2017, where Trump expressed frustration over Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation. Trump enlisted Lewandowski to relay a message to Sessions urging him to limit the investigation's scope. Lewandowski attempted to convey the message through White House official Rick Dearborn.
July 2017: Retainer Offer from Payday Lender
In July 2017, Community Choice Financial, a payday lender, offered Lewandowski a monthly retainer.
July 30, 2017: Public Advocacy on Payday Lending Regulations
On July 30, 2017, on "Meet the Press," Corey Lewandowski advocated for the firing of Richard Cordray, the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, who was working on payday lending regulations, while denying he was working for any clients, even though he had been offered a retainer by a payday lender.
July 31, 2017: Dismissal From OANN
Corey Lewandowski was fired by One America News Network (OANN) on July 31, 2017. His termination was due to appearances on news networks other than OANN, which violated his contract.
November 28, 2017: Joy Villa Files Complaint Against Lewandowski
On November 28, 2017, Joy Villa, a performer and Trump supporter, filed a police complaint alleging that Corey Lewandowski had slapped her buttocks without her consent at a holiday party. Lewandowski denied the allegations and asserted his right to due process.
December 2017: Publication of "Let Trump Be Trump"
In December 2017, "Let Trump Be Trump," a memoir co-authored by Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie, was published. This book recounts their experiences working on Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
April 2018: Interviewed by Special Counsel Investigation
Corey Lewandowski was interviewed in April 2018 as part of the special counsel's investigation into potential obstruction of justice by President Trump. During the interview, Lewandowski recounted the events of his June 2017 meeting with Trump and subsequent interaction with Rick Dearborn.
June 19, 2018: Controversial Remark About Immigrant Child Separation
On June 19, 2018, during a Fox News appearance, Lewandowski made an insensitive remark, saying "womp, womp," in response to a story about a 10-year-old immigrant girl with Down syndrome who was separated from her mother due to the Trump administration's immigration policies. His comment sparked outrage and condemnation.
June 20, 2018: Dropped by Leading Authorities, Inc.
Leading Authorities, Inc., a speakers bureau, dropped Lewandowski as a client on June 20, 2018, following his controversial remark about the separation of immigrant families.
June 27, 2018: Falsely Claims 10-Year-Old Immigrant Girl Was Part of a Smuggling Ring
Lewandowski, on June 27, 2018, falsely asserted that a 10-year-old immigrant girl separated from her mother at the border was involved with a child smuggling ring.
2018: Lewandowski Appears in "Who Is America?"
Corey Lewandowski participated in Sacha Baron Cohen's satirical series "Who Is America?" in 2018. In the show, he engaged in discussions about then-President Donald Trump and his viewpoints with Baron Cohen, who was in character as the conspiracy theorist Billy Wayne Ruddick Jr.
2018: Proposal for a U.S. Military Base in Poland
In 2018, Corey Lewandowski and Jill Kelley, a former U.S. diplomatic and national security advisor, proposed to the Polish government the establishment of a U.S. military base in Poland, to be fully funded by Poland.
August 1, 2019: Corey Lewandowski considers running for Senate
On August 1, 2019, Corey Lewandowski announced he was seriously considering running for the Republican nomination for the 2020 United States Senate election in New Hampshire.
September 2019: Testifies Before House Judiciary Committee
In September 2019, Corey Lewandowski provided testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, where he was questioned about inconsistencies between his prior statements to the special counsel and his public remarks. Lewandowski raised controversy by asserting he felt no obligation to be truthful to the media, whom he deemed as dishonest.
October 2, 2019: Unusual Fox Business Network Interview
During an October 2, 2019 interview on the Fox Business Network, Corey Lewandowski's speech appeared to be slurred. This led to host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery asking if he had consumed alcohol before the interview, a question he deflected.
December 31, 2019: Lewandowski Declines Senate Bid
On December 31, 2019, Corey Lewandowski announced he would not be running for Senate in New Hampshire, stating his confidence in a likely win but choosing to forgo the campaign.
January 2020: Corey Lewandowski decides not to run for Senate
In January 2020, Corey Lewandowski announced his decision not to run for the Senate, stating he believed he would have won.
December 2020: Appointed to Defense Business Board and Subsequent Removal
In December 2020, Corey Lewandowski was appointed to the Defense Business Board by Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller. However, the Pentagon blocked his seating, and incoming Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin removed Lewandowski from the position as part of a broader effort to reverse last-minute appointments of political allies by the outgoing Trump administration.
2020: Trump Encourages Senate Run
During a 2020 campaign rally in New Hampshire, Donald Trump expressed support for a potential Senate run by Corey Lewandowski.
2020: Considers Running for U.S. Senate
In 2020, Corey Lewandowski announced his serious consideration of running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire against incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen.
September 2021: Lewandowski Removed from Super PAC
Following allegations of sexual harassment from a donor, Corey Lewandowski was removed from his position as chairman of the Make America Great Again Action super PAC in September 2021. This was not the first instance of accusations regarding inappropriate conduct towards women against him.
September 2021: Corey Lewandowski accused of sexual misconduct
In September 2021, it was reported that Corey Lewandowski had made unwanted sexual advances towards the wife of a significant Trump donor, leading to his removal from the Trump sphere.
September 2021: Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Trashelle Odom, wife of Trump donor John Odom, accused Corey Lewandowski of sexual misconduct at a charity event in Las Vegas in September 2021. Witnesses supported Odom's claim that Lewandowski, appearing inebriated, had behaved inappropriately towards her.
September 2022: Misdemeanor Battery Charge and Plea Agreement
In September 2022, Corey Lewandowski faced misdemeanor battery charges stemming from the September 2021 incident. While maintaining his innocence, Lewandowski reached a plea agreement, involving a fine, community service, and counseling to avoid a conviction.
September 2023: Rumors of Affair with Kristi Noem Surface
In September 2023, multiple media outlets, including the New York Post and the Daily Mail, published reports alleging that Corey Lewandowski was having an extramarital affair with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, whom he had advised politically for a significant period. Noem vehemently denied these claims, denouncing them as recycled attempts to discredit conservative women and asserting that they were entirely baseless.
2023: Schwartz MSL's earnings adjusted for inflation
As of 2023, the amount Schwartz MSL earned from representing Passport Systems, over $350,000, would be approximately $467,853 after adjusting for inflation.