SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is reducing ties with political adviser Corey Lewandowski after the longtime confidant to former President Donald Trump was accused of creating undesirable sexual advances towards a GOP donor at a Las Vegas charity occasion.
Noem’s spokesman Ian Fury mentioned Lewandowski “is not going to be advising the Governor in regard to the marketing campaign or official workplace.”
Fury didn’t instantly reply to a query about whether or not Noem noticed any of Lewandowski’s conduct at a Las Vegas fundraising occasion, the place he was accused of the harassment.
Politico reported Wednesday that Trashelle Odom, the spouse of Idaho building govt John Odom, alleges Lewandowski repeatedly touched her with out her permission, made lewd feedback and “stalked” her all through the occasion Sunday night.
“He repeatedly touched me inappropriately, mentioned vile and disgusting issues to me, stalked me, and made me really feel violated and fearful,” she mentioned in a press release to the outlet. “I’m coming ahead as a result of he must be held accountable.”
Politico additionally mentioned it had spoken to 4 first-hand witnesses who corroborated Odom’s accusation in addition to two individuals who had spoken together with her in regards to the alleged incidents.
Lewandowski was eliminated on Wednesday from his function working a Trump-supporting tremendous PAC after Odom’s accusation.
“Corey Lewandowski will probably be occurring to different endeavors and we very a lot wish to thank him for his service. He’ll not be related to Trump World,” Trump spokesman Taylor Budowich wrote in a press release.
He mentioned Pam Bondi, the previous legal professional common of Florida and longtime Trump supporter who had been helping with the group, “has our full religion and confidence in taking on MAGA Motion.”
Lewandowski and his lawyer didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
The political operative was the previous president’s first marketing campaign supervisor in 2016 and remained one his most vocal supporters and trusted outdoors advisers throughout his time on the White Home, with Trump continuously turning to him at moments of disaster.
In March 2016, Lewandowski was accused by Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the right-wing Breitbart web site, of roughly yanking her arm after a Trump information convention. However Lewandowski denied any wrongdoing and Trump repeatedly defended him, even after video emerged of the incident. Lewandowski was charged with battery, however it was later dropped.
Lewandowski was later fired from his job as Trump’s marketing campaign supervisor after clashing with Trump’s grownup youngsters, however the separation was solely non permanent.
He additionally suggested Trump’s 2020 marketing campaign, has served as a CNN political commentator, and has written three books on the previous president.
In the meantime, in Nebraska, GOP candidate for governor Charles Herbster mentioned Thursday he additionally was reducing ties with Lewandowski, who had served as a senior adviser. Lewandowski recorded an endorsement video for the Falls Metropolis businessman three weeks in the past the place he praised him for all the time sustaining his help of Trump.
