Corey Lewandowski is a powerhouse in American politics, best known as the campaign manager of Donald Trump during the presidential election in 2016. His comeback as a senior adviser for Trump in the forthcoming election due in 2024 rekindled interest in his career and where he stands in the influence of power over the Republican Party. This paper discusses Lewandowski’s background, his stint with Trump, and where he stands in the political scenario today.
Early life and education
Born on September 18, 1973, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Corey R. Lewandowski was raised in a politically active family. He made his way through Lowell Catholic High School and later attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he earned a BA in Political Science in 1995. He also pursued a Master’s degree in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1997.
Lewandowski’s earlier political ambitions began by running, unsuccessfully, for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives back in 1994. This set a foundation for his future efforts in political strategy and campaign management.
Career before Trump
Lewandowski had built a varied career in politics and lobbying before joining Trump’s campaign. Having worked for various Republican campaigns, Lewandowski was most notable for his work with former U.S. Representatives Peter Torkildsen and Robert Ney. With the Republican National Committee, he served as a legislative political director, where he developed an interest in the strategy of politics.
In 2004, he was appointed executive director of the New England Seafood Producers Association, a non-profit that advocates on behalf of the seafood industry. He has also worked with the right-wing advocacy organization Americans for Prosperity, which had close ties to the Tea Party movement.
Lewandowski under Trump’s 2016 campaign
Probably one of the most famous positions held by Corey Lewandowski was his appointment as campaign manager during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. He was charged with the responsibility to frame Trump’s message and strategy. One of the famous slogans Lewandowski adopted was “Let Trump be Trump,” encouraging the candidate to be true to himself while being very direct in communication with the electorate.
Under Lewandowski’s leadership, the Trump campaign had gained much momentum during the Republican primaries. However, his tenure was also tinged with controversy. In June 2016, Lewandowski was fired, reportedly due to internal conflicts and tussles with Trump’s family, especially his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
After the campaign, Lewandowski transitioned quite comfortably to the role of political commentator; he has done work with a range of news networks, including CNN and Fox News. Together with Barry Bennett, he began Avenue Strategies, a lobbying firm. He is no longer with the company, having had to resign in 2017 due to some particularly contentious relationships with Trump.
Controversies and legal issues
Controversies have not been alien to Lewandowski’s career. He had sexual harassment allegations by Trashelle Odom, a donor’s wife, during a Las Vegas charity event in 2021. This led to his removal from a pro-Trump super PAC and put a question mark on his conduct in the political circles. He finally reached an agreement with prosecutors to avoid misdemeanor charges in connection with the allegations.
Through all these rows, Lewandowski somehow has not fallen out of favor with the Trump orbit. His ability to navigate the complexities of Trump’s political world kept him relevant in Republican politics.
Return to Trump’s campaign 2024
In August 2024, Lewandowski rejoined Trump’s campaign as a senior advisor. What appears to be part of the larger plan to fortify Trump’s team against Vice President Kamala Harris, the next election opponent, is described in such a way as to add many people with experience around Trump; Lewandowski was added right into that category since he knows Trump’s style and mode of behavior.
Though he has not been explicitly assigned to an identified role within the 2024 campaign, Lewandowski will no doubt work on advising Trump’s top leadership. His return is characterized by so much fuss over how campaign dynamics will be and how his strategies will affect the outcome of the election.
