Mike Pence just hired one of Trump's most controversial campaign aides to spearhead his political strategy
- Vice President Mike Pence has hired one of President Donald Trump's most controversial campaign aides, Corey Lewandowski, to spearhead his political strategy heading into the 2020 election.
- Lewandowski discussed the position with Trump and received the president's approval before signing on.
Vice President Mike Pence has hired one of President Donald Trump's most controversial campaign aides, Corey Lewandowski, to spearhead his political strategy heading into the 2020 election, according to Fox News.
Lewandowski will join Pence's political action committee and be able to travel with the vice president. Having served as Trump's first campaign manager, Lewandowski discussed the position with him and received the president's approval before signing on, according to Fox News.
Pence's PAC is the first of its kind for a sitting vice president, but it can only be used to donate to other campaigns, according to Fox News.
Since last summer, Lewandowski has worked with the pro-Trump group America First Policies. His new role with Pence will allow him to help out with the 2018 midterm elections as well, according to Fox News.
An ardent supporter and defender of Trump, Lewandowski co-wrote the book "Let Trump be Trump" and is a frequent commentator on cable television. He has maintained a close relationship with Trump and has been seen at the White House despite being fired as campaign manager in 2016, according to Fox News.
Pence's decision to hire Lewandowski signals that the vice president is in lock step with Trump heading into 2020, despite reports that Pence's PAC could be used to enhance his own personal ambition.
The New York Times reported on Monday that Pence and his team have stepped into the void left by Trump to craft a message and position for the Republican Party in the 2018 midterm elections. It has prompted many pro-Trump party officials to fear a potential power grab by Pence to help his own political future in the GOP.
As Trump's former campaign manager, Lewandowski made headlines in March 2016 when he was charged with misdemeanor battery related to an incident involving former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields. More recently, he has been accused of sexual misconduct by the singer Joy Villa.