Corey Lewandowski’s Return to Trump’s Inner Circle Sparks Controversy
In August, the political world barely reacted when Corey Lewandowski announced his return to former President Donald Trump’s side. However, when Trashelle Odom discovered that Lewandowski had been appointed as a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, it was a shock to her system. Just over three years prior, in 2021, Odom, who was then the wife of a wealthy Republican donor, had reported Lewandowski to the authorities for allegedly assaulting and stalking her at a charity event in Las Vegas. She further claimed that Lewandowski’s legal team attempted to silence her with a financial settlement.
Lewandowski, who previously served as Trump’s first campaign manager, faced misdemeanor battery charges in relation to the incident with Odom. After agreeing to a deal with prosecutors, the charges were dismissed in exchange for community service, a fine, enrollment in an impulse control program, and a public apology to Odom in court. Following this incident, Lewandowski was removed from Trump’s inner circle and his involvement in a super PAC supporting the former president was terminated. A spokesperson for Trump at the time assured that Lewandowski would no longer have any association with Trump’s world.
In response to inquiries about the situation, Lewandowski’s attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, clarified that their client was not charged with assault or stalking in Clark County, Nevada, and the case against him was ultimately dismissed.
Odom shared that the dismissal of the charges against Lewandowski allowed her to begin the healing process. She separated from her husband, relocated to a different state, distanced herself from the world of politics, and established a small business while caring for her children. Therefore, when a friend informed her of Lewandowski’s return to Trump’s camp, Odom expressed her shock and dismay during an interview with CBS News.
“I was devastated,” Odom disclosed in her first television appearance since the news broke. “I was extremely upset.” She felt compelled to share her story with others, emphasizing that Lewandowski now wields power once again. Lewandowski’s aggressive demeanor and history of personal controversies made his previous tenure in Trump’s circle tumultuous. Despite being fired on two occasions, Trump remained loyal to Lewandowski, welcoming him back into his close circle of advisors.
A seasoned political strategist who previously served as a New Hampshire state trooper, Lewandowski played a significant role in propelling Trump, initially viewed as a longshot candidate, to the presidency in 2016. Post-election, he became a confidant for Trump, known for encouraging the former president’s more extreme tendencies even when other aides advised restraint. “Let Trump be Trump” became Lewandowski’s mantra, and he co-authored a book with Dave Bossie, Trump’s former deputy campaign manager, in 2017.
Trump has openly expressed his fondness for Lewandowski, describing him as a unique character. However, Lewandowski’s treatment of women has been a subject of scrutiny since the 2016 campaign. Incidents such as grabbing a journalist’s arm and an accusation of slapping a woman’s behind at a holiday party have raised concerns about his behavior towards women. Despite these allegations, Lewandowski has continuously denied any wrongdoing, with his legal team maintaining that no charges were pursued in relation to these incidents.
Odom’s decision to come forward and share her experience was not taken lightly. She expressed her desire to give a voice to other women who may have faced similar situations but felt unable to speak out. Recounting the terrifying encounter with Lewandowski, Odom described feeling targeted and intimidated by his behavior during the charity event in Las Vegas. His inappropriate comments and physical advances left her feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable.
Having been introduced to the political realm through her former husband, a prominent Republican donor, Odom emphasized that her story should not be politicized. Despite her reluctance to be associated with partisan agendas, Odom decided to speak out just weeks before the presidential election. This timing coincided with Trump’s efforts to appeal to female voters, acknowledging the significant gender gap between him and his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
While Trump has made promises to prioritize women’s safety and well-being if re-elected, his own track record with women has been marred by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. Additionally, evidence has emerged suggesting that the Trump campaign has settled sexual harassment cases involving women. Odom revealed that Lewandowski’s legal team offered her a substantial sum to keep her story confidential, a proposition she declined.
Following Odom’s public accusations against Lewandowski, she received calls from both Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., expressing regret over the incident. Despite these gestures, Odom remained adamant about speaking out against Lewandowski’s return to Trump’s inner circle. She believes that his behavior has not changed and hopes that by sharing her story, she can empower others to speak up against similar injustices.
Since Lewandowski’s reinstatement, he has assumed a prominent role in defending Trump and promoting the campaign’s message through various media appearances. However, the allegations made by Odom have not been addressed in these public forums. While Odom never intended to discuss her experience on television, she felt compelled to do so in order to shed light on Lewandowski’s actions and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Through tears, Odom emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating, “If I can make a difference for just one person, then my decision to speak up is worthwhile.” As the controversy surrounding Lewandowski’s return to Trump’s inner circle continues to unfold, Odom’s bravery in sharing her story serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their position of power.
