AdvertisementThe new details about the pilot incident suggest Lewandowski may have violated the safety guidelines set out by the U.S. Coast Guard, which operated the plane. Lewandowski entered the cockpit before the plane had reached 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and while the seatbelt sign remained on, one of the people said. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month on infighting and tensions at DHS under Noem and Lewandowski, including the firing of the pilot. AdvertisementThe DHS spokesperson said that Lewandowski volunteers his time and that the department was not aware of any such investigation. DHS and the Coast Guard declined to comment on the pilot’s firing and reinstatement.

Source: Huffington Post February 24, 2026 18:11 UTC