History of Corey Lewandowski in Timeline

Corey Lewandowski is an American political operative, lobbyist, commentator, and author known for his close association with Donald Trump. He served as the initial campaign manager for Trump's 2016 presidential campaign before being dismissed during the Republican Primary. Following his campaign role, Lewandowski transitioned into media, working as a political commentator for One America News Network (OANN) and Fox News, further solidifying his presence in the political and media landscape.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

September 18, 1973: Corey Lewandowski Born

On September 18, 1973, Corey Lewandowski was born. He is an American political operative, lobbyist, political commentator, and author.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Graduated from Lowell Catholic High School

In 1991, Corey Lewandowski graduated from Lowell Catholic High School, a private college-preparatory school in Lowell, Massachusetts.

1994: Ran for Massachusetts House of Representatives

In 1994, while an undergraduate student, Corey Lewandowski ran for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary. He received 143 votes, falling short of the 150 votes needed to win the party's nomination.

1995: Graduated from University of Massachusetts Lowell

In 1995, Corey Lewandowski graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a B.A. in political science.

January 1996: Worked as Aide for Congressman Torkildsen

Beginning in January 1996, Corey Lewandowski worked as an aide for Republican Massachusetts Congressman Peter G. Torkildsen while a graduate student at American University.

January 1997: Continued Work as Aide and Interned for State Senator

In January 1997, Corey Lewandowski continued working as an aide for Congressman Peter G. Torkildsen while also interning for Massachusetts State Senator Steven C. Panagiotakos, a Democrat, while he was still a student.

December 1997: Worked as Administrative Assistant for Bob Ney

From December 1997, Corey Lewandowski worked as an administrative assistant for Ohio Republican Bob Ney, a U.S. Congressman.

1997: Received Master's Degree

In 1997, Corey Lewandowski received a master's degree in political science from American University in Washington, D.C.

1998: Hardy Marries Brian Kinney

In 1998, Alison Hardy, who would later become Lewandowski's wife, married Brian Kinney.

1999: Arrested for Bringing Handgun into Office Building

In 1999, while working for Ney, Corey Lewandowski brought a loaded handgun in a laundry bag into the Longworth House Office Building. He was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. The charges eventually were dismissed.

2000: George Salem chaired Arab Americans for Bush-Cheney

In 2000, Washington lawyer George Salem chaired Arab Americans for Bush-Cheney.

February 2001: End of time as Administrative Assistant for Bob Ney

In February 2001, Corey Lewandowski stopped working as an administrative assistant for Ohio Republican Bob Ney, a U.S. Congressman.

September 11, 2001: Brian Kinney Killed in 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, 2001, Brian Kinney, who was married to Corey Lewandowski's future wife Alison Hardy, was killed onboard United Airlines Flight 175 during the 9/11 attacks.

2001: Worked for Republican National Committee

After leaving Ney's office, Corey Lewandowski worked most of 2001 for the Republican National Committee as the Northeast legislative political director.

2001: Holy Land Foundation Assets Frozen

In 2001, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development had its assets frozen by the U.S. government on suspicion of ties to Hamas.

2002: Campaign Manager for Robert C. Smith

In 2002, Corey Lewandowski was the campaign manager for the re-election campaign of U.S. Senator Robert C. Smith of New Hampshire.

2003: Executive Director of New England Seafood Producers Association

From 2003, Corey Lewandowski was the executive director of the New England Seafood Producers Association.

September 2004: Director of Public Affairs at Schwartz MSL

From September 2004, Corey Lewandowski served as director of public affairs at Schwartz MSL.

2004: Continued as executive director of New England Seafood Producers Association

In 2004, Corey Lewandowski continued as executive director of the New England Seafood Producers Association.

2005: Lewandowski Marries Alison Hardy

In 2005, Corey Lewandowski married Alison Hardy. They have four children together.

2006: Graduated from New Hampshire Police Academy

In 2006, Corey Lewandowski graduated from the New Hampshire police academy and began working as a seasonal marine patrol officer trainee with the New Hampshire Division of Safety Services.

2007: Wrote Letter for Leniency for Bob Ney

In 2007, before Bob Ney was sentenced on federal corruption charges, Corey Lewandowski wrote a letter to the presiding judge, saying that Ney was a mentor and "surrogate father" to him and asking for leniency in sentencing.

2008: Passport Systems Secured Federal Funds

Between 2008 and 2011, Passport Systems secured more than $23.9 million in federal funds.

2008: Began Working for Americans for Prosperity

In 2008, Corey Lewandowski began working for Americans for Prosperity, a Koch brothers-backed advocacy group, overlapping with his tenure as a marine patrol officer trainee and registered federal lobbyist.

2010: Secured Earmark for Borrego Solar

In 2010, Corey Lewandowski lobbied for Borrego Solar, helping to secure a $500,000 earmark in the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act that benefited a solar electricity project in Lancaster, Massachusetts.

2010: End of time as Marine Patrol Officer Trainee

In 2010, Corey Lewandowski stopped working as a seasonal marine patrol officer trainee with the New Hampshire Division of Safety Services.

2011: Lobbyist for Passport Systems

In 2011, Corey Lewandowski was registered as a lobbyist for Schwartz MSL on behalf of Passport Systems, lobbying on homeland security issues.

July 2012: End of time as Director of Public Affairs at Schwartz MSL

Until July 2012, Corey Lewandowski served as director of public affairs at Schwartz MSL.

2012: Unsuccessfully Ran for Town Treasurer

In 2012, while still working for Americans for Prosperity, Corey Lewandowski unsuccessfully ran for town treasurer of Windham, New Hampshire.

April 2014: First Met Donald Trump

In April 2014, Corey Lewandowski first met Donald Trump at a political event in New Hampshire.

January 2015: Became Trump's Campaign Manager

In January 2015, Corey Lewandowski accepted an offer from Donald Trump to become campaign manager, with a salary of $20,000 per month.

January 2015: Left Americans for Prosperity

In January 2015, Corey Lewandowski left Americans for Prosperity where he was the national director of voter registration.

August 2015: Sam Nunberg Dismissed

In August 2015, Sam Nunberg was dismissed from Trump's political staff, he believes because Lewandowski and Hope Hicks asked Trump for his ouster.

February 9, 2016: Trump Acknowledged Lewandowski's Role

On February 9, 2016, after a win in New Hampshire, Donald Trump acknowledged Corey Lewandowski's role in the win by praising his ground game.

March 8, 2016: Trump Press Conference in Jupiter, Florida

Michelle Fields, a reporter for Breitbart News, approached Donald Trump with a question following a press conference in Jupiter, Florida, on March 8, 2016. This encounter led to allegations against Corey Lewandowski for forcefully moving Fields out of the way.

March 10, 2016: Fields Accusation

On March 10, 2016, Michelle Fields, a reporter for Breitbart News, wrote that, after she asked Donald Trump a question when she approached him after a March 8, 2016, press conference in Jupiter, Florida, she was forcefully moved out of the way of the Trump entourage by Lewandowski as Lewandowski attempted to exit next to Trump.

March 19, 2016: Criticism for Handling of Protester

On March 19, 2016, during a campaign event in Tucson, Arizona, Corey Lewandowski drew criticism for his handling of a protester. Video footage showed Lewandowski grabbing the protester by the collar, although the campaign denied this.

April 2016: Paul Manafort Hired

In April 2016, Paul Manafort was hired to the Trump campaign, later named "campaign chairman."

April 2016: Lewandowski's Influence Waning

In April 2016, it was reported that Corey Lewandowski's influence within the Trump campaign was waning.

June 20, 2016: Legal complaint served to Trump campaign

On June 20, 2016, the Trump campaign received a legal complaint from its North Carolina Digital Director, Vincent Bordini, alleging misconduct by the North Carolina State Director, Earl Phillip.

July 2016: Lewandowski defends Trump's controversial tweet

In July 2016, Corey Lewandowski defended Donald Trump after he tweeted a graphic that labeled Hillary Clinton the "most corrupt candidate" with a pile of cash and a six-pointed star. Lewandowski denied allegations of antisemitism on CNN's State of the Union.

July 2016: Lewandowski hired by CNN as political commentator

In July 2016, Corey Lewandowski was hired by CNN as a political commentator shortly after leaving the Trump campaign, remaining subject to a non-disclosure agreement. CNN hosts began disclosing Lewandowski's severance payments before his appearances after Media Matters for America raised concerns.

August 2016: Lewandowski espouses 'birther' conspiracy theory on CNN

In August 2016, Corey Lewandowski promoted the "birther" conspiracy theory on CNN, questioning Barack Obama's citizenship, drawing criticism from other panelists.

November 11, 2016: Lewandowski resigns as CNN commentator

On November 11, 2016, Corey Lewandowski resigned from his position as a CNN commentator amidst speculations that he would be joining the Trump administration.

December 2016: Citgo loan from Rosneft

In December 2016, Citgo took out a loan from Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft that it has been unable to pay and is under threat of a takeover by Rosneft.

December 21, 2016: Co-founded Avenue Strategies

On December 21, 2016, Corey Lewandowski co-founded Avenue Strategies, a lobbying firm located near the White House.

2016: Campaign Manager for Trump

In 2016, Corey Lewandowski was the first campaign manager of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, but was later dismissed by Trump during the Republican Primary. Following this, he became a political commentator for One America News Network (OANN) and Fox News.

February 2017: Avenue Strategies agrees to lobby for Citgo

In February 2017, Avenue Strategies, which Corey Lewandowski was affiliated with, agreed to lobby for Citgo Petroleum Corporation amid mounting tensions between the United States, Venezuela, and Russia.

April 28, 2017: POLITICO reveals documents about Washington East West Political Strategies

On April 28, 2017, POLITICO published an article that revealed documents about Washington East West Political Strategies and their international recruitment vehicles, which were created by Lewandowski, Bennett, and associates.

May 3, 2017: Public Citizen asks for investigation into Lewandowski

On May 3, 2017, Public Citizen requested the U.S. Department of Justice investigate whether Corey Lewandowski should have registered as a foreign or domestic lobbyist.

May 4, 2017: Lewandowski leaves Avenue Strategies

On May 4, 2017, Corey Lewandowski departed from Avenue Strategies.

May 12, 2017: Lewandowski incorporates Lewandowski Strategic Advisors

On May 12, 2017, Corey Lewandowski incorporated Lewandowski Strategic Advisors in Delaware and sought to recruit David Bossie and George Gigicos.

May 2017: Left Avenue Strategies

In May 2017, Corey Lewandowski left Avenue Strategies, the lobbying firm he had co-founded.

June 19, 2017: Lewandowski meets with President Trump regarding Jeff Sessions

On June 19, 2017, Corey Lewandowski met with President Trump where Trump dictated a statement for Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Lewandowski attempted to arrange a meeting with Sessions.

July 2017: Community Choice Financial offers Lewandowski a retainer

In July 2017, Community Choice Financial, a payday lender, offered Corey Lewandowski a $20,000-a-month retainer.

July 30, 2017: Lewandowski tells Trump to fire Richard Cordray

On July 30, 2017, Corey Lewandowski told President Trump to fire Richard Cordray, the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, on Meet the Press, while denying having any clients.

July 31, 2017: Lewandowski fired from OANN

On July 31, 2017, Corey Lewandowski was fired from One America News Network (OANN) for making appearances on news networks outside of OANN.

November 28, 2017: Joy Villa Filed Police Complaint

On November 28, 2017, Joy Villa filed a police complaint against Corey Lewandowski for allegedly slapping her buttocks at a holiday party at the Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C.

December 2017: Publication of 'Let Trump Be Trump'

In December 2017, 'Let Trump Be Trump' by Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie, was published by Center Street. It chronicles their experiences working for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

2017: Lewandowski comments on Unite the Right rally

In 2018, during an interview on 'Who is America?', Corey Lewandowski suggested that one "had to respect" white supremacists while discussing the racist and violent 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

April 2018: Lewandowski interviewed in special counsel investigation

In April 2018, Corey Lewandowski was interviewed as part of the special counsel investigation regarding potential obstruction of justice by President Trump, recounting events related to Jeff Sessions.

June 19, 2018: Lewandowski responds 'womp, womp' to story of separated child

On June 19, 2018, Corey Lewandowski appeared on Fox News alongside Democratic strategist Zac Petkanas and responded "womp, womp" to a story about a 10-year-old immigrant girl with Down syndrome being separated from her mother, drawing widespread criticism.

June 20, 2018: Lewandowski dropped by speakers bureau

On June 20, 2018, Corey Lewandowski was dropped by Leading Authorities, Inc., a speakers bureau based in Washington D.C.

June 27, 2018: Lewandowski Comments on Immigrant Child Separation

On June 27, 2018, Corey Lewandowski asserted on CNN that a 10-year-old immigrant separated at the border was separated because her mother was a potential member of a child-smuggling ring, contradicting available evidence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated the child was a "material witness."

2018: Appearance on "Who Is America?"

In 2018, Corey Lewandowski appeared on Sacha Baron Cohen's prank comedy series "Who Is America?", discussing Donald Trump with Baron Cohen's alter-ego, Billy Wayne Ruddick Jr.

February 2019: Lewandowski denies Trump involvement with Sessions in MSNBC interview

In February 2019, Corey Lewandowski stated in an interview with MSNBC that he did not recall President Trump asking him to get involved with Jeff Sessions or the Department of Justice.

August 1, 2019: Considering Senate Run

On August 1, 2019, Corey Lewandowski announced he was "very seriously" considering seeking the Republican nomination to oppose incumbent Democratic senator Jeanne Shaheen in the 2020 United States Senate election in New Hampshire.

September 2019: Lewandowski testifies before House Judiciary Committee

In September 2019, Corey Lewandowski testified before the House Judiciary Committee and defended his discrepancies between statements made to Mueller and the media, asserting no obligation to be honest with the media.

October 2, 2019: Lewandowski's slurred interview on Fox Business Network

On October 2, 2019, Corey Lewandowski gave an interview on Fox Business Network in which his speech was slurred, prompting the host to ask if he had consumed alcohol.

December 2019: Lewandowski Visits Israel

In December 2019, Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie visited Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, offering strategic advice for Netanyahu's upcoming election campaign.

December 31, 2019: Lewandowski Declines Senate Run

On December 31, 2019, Corey Lewandowski announced via tweet that he would not run for Senate in New Hampshire, stating that he was certain he would have won.

January 2020: Decided Not to Run for Senate

In January 2020, Corey Lewandowski ultimately decided not to run for Senate, while stating that he "would have won" had he run.

December 2020: Lewandowski appointed to and removed from Defense Business Board

In December 2020, Christopher Miller appointed Corey Lewandowski to the Defense Business Board, but the Pentagon later prevented him from being seated, and Lloyd Austin subsequently fired him.

2020: Possible Senate Run

In 2020, Corey Lewandowski considered seeking the Republican nomination to oppose Jeanne Shaheen in the U.S. Senate election in New Hampshire, following attempts by the Republican National Committee to draft him.

2020: Trump Praises Lewandowski at Rally

In 2020, at a Donald Trump presidential campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Trump praised Lewandowski and encouraged him to enter the race. Lewandowski, present in the audience, declined to comment on his candidacy.

September 2021: Accusations of Sexual Advances

In September 2021, Corey Lewandowski was accused of making sexual advances towards the wife of a major Trump donor, leading to a Trump spokesman saying Lewandowski "will no longer be associated with Trump World."

September 2021: Lewandowski Removed as Super PAC Chairman

In September 2021, Corey Lewandowski was removed from his role as chairman of the super PAC Make America Great Again Action following reports of sexual harassment accusations from a donor.

September 2021: Accused of Sexual Advances at Charity Dinner

In September 2021, at a charity dinner at the Westgate Las Vegas hotel, Trashelle Odom accused Corey Lewandowski of making unwanted sexual advances, including repeatedly touching her and speaking to her in sexually graphic terms. Odom alleged that Lewandowski "stalked" her throughout the hotel and appeared intoxicated.

September 2022: Charged with Misdemeanor Battery

In September 2022, Corey Lewandowski was charged with misdemeanor battery in Clark County, Nevada court in connection with the incident. He made a plea agreement to pay a $1,000 fine, serve 50 hours of community service, and take eight hours of "impulse control counseling".

September 2023: Reports of Extramarital Affair

In September 2023, the New York Post and the Daily Mail published reports about Corey Lewandowski having an extramarital affair with South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, which Noem's spokesman denied.

2023: Equivalent of $25,138 Salary

In 2023, Lewandowski's $20,000 salary is equivalent to $25,138.

2023: Equivalent of $467,853 Paid to Schwartz MSL

In 2023, the $350,000 paid to Schwartz MSL is equivalent to $467,853.

August 15, 2024: Joined Trump Campaign as Senior Advisor

On August 15, 2024, Corey Lewandowski joined the 2024 Donald Trump presidential campaign as a senior advisor.

October 7, 2024: Lewandowski's Role in Trump Campaign Narrowed

On October 7, 2024, it was reported that Corey Lewandowski, a senior advisor to the Trump campaign, was directed to focus on being a surrogate in New Hampshire. This decision came after Lewandowski reportedly lost an internal power struggle for control of the campaign.

April 8, 2025: Lewandowski Accompanies DHS Secretary at Immigration Raid

On April 8, 2025, Corey Lewandowski accompanied DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at an immigration raid, introducing himself as “chief of staff.” DHS later clarified that he is an adviser to DHS and a special government employee.

June 12, 2025: Lewandowski Intervenes in Senator's Detention

On June 12, 2025, when U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly detained at a press conference by security agents, Corey Lewandowski ran to the scene yelling, 'Let him go! Let him go!'