Giuliani and Lewandowski join the Homeland Security advisory council as new members
In an unexpected move, President Donald Trump unveiled his picks for a revamped Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) on June 24, 2025. This fresh panel boasts a diverse mix of political heavyweights, former government officials, top business minds, and national security experts. Some of the influential figures joining the team are:
- Georgette Mosbacher, Co-Chair, Three Seas Programming, Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, former U.S. Ambassador to Poland
- James “Jim” Pallotta, Managing Partner and Founder, The Raptor Group
- Omar Qudrat, CEO of Maden, founder of the Muslim Coalition for America, and Major in the U.S. Army Reserve
- Stephen Sloan, Global Head of Private Market Secondaries, Portfolio Advisors and Co-Founder, Cogent Partners
- Robert “Bob” Smith, former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
- Alexei Woltornist, Co-Founder and President of ATHOS, former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security
- Mark Levin, renowned figure on Fox News and radio talk show host
- Rudy Giuliani, well-known former mayor of New York City
- Henry McMaster, current Governor of South Carolina (R)
- Corey Lewandowski, former Trump campaign manager
- Christopher Cox, founder of Bikers for Trump
- Mark Dannels, sheriff in Arizona's Cochise County
The revamped council was heralded for its "new-look" and dedication to achieving President Trump's vision, leveraging an extensive pool of expertise spanning various sectors. The first gathering of this revamped HSAC was set for July 2, 2025, at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. [1][2][3][4][5]
Notably, the council list includes Mark Levin, a right-wing political commentator, former mayor Rudy Giuliani, who played a crucial role in election overturn attempts, and Corey Lewandowski, a key figure in Trump's 2016 campaign. The council, initially established in 2002, will offer "real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations," according to the administration. [1]
The Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, expressed that the council members will provide vital guidance in safeguarding America. Additional members confirmed for the council include South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who will chair the panel, government officials, attorneys, security experts, and the founder of "Bikers for Trump," according to the Department of Homeland Security. [2][3][4][5]
- The diverse Homeland Security Advisory Council, led by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, is expected to offer independent advice on homeland security operations, a role that becomes crucial as they navigate war-and-conflicts, politics, crime-and-justice, and general-news in various sectors.
- The revamped Homeland Security Advisory Council, consisting of individuals like former mayor Rudy Giuliani and right-wing political commentator Mark Levin, may find themselves entangled in politics, as well as issues related to war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news, given the council's expanded mandate and the current political climate.
