Corey Lewandowski, who was removed from his position as Donald Trump's campaign manager Monday, has already lined up a new gig: CNN commentator. The network confirmed the hiring Thursday, effectively putting an end to Lewandowski's three days of post-firing anguish.
"Lewandowski will join CNN's stable of political experts who appear across the channel's newscasts and talk shows," senior media correspondent Brian Stelter said. "His first appearance is scheduled to be on the morning show New Day next Monday." The hiring, first reported by Politico, prompted a predictable response from those familiar with Lewandowski's history with members of the press:
Lewandowski was arrested and charged with simple battery in March, stemming from his encounter with Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields. In a police report obtained by CNN, Fields alleged that she "felt someone yank her left arm" during a Trump event in Florida and "fell back" before catching herself.
"Fields showed me her left forearm, which revealed bruising from what appeared to be several finger marks indicating a grabbing type injury," a Jupiter Police Department official wrote in the report. The misdemeanor simple battery charge against Lewandowski was dropped by prosecutors in April, citing the evidence in the case as not "strong enough" to secure a "reasonable" conviction.
In a statement announcing Lewandowski's exit from the campaign Monday, Trump spokesperson Hope Hicks touted the campaign's "historic record" and wished Lewandowski well. "The campaign is grateful to Corey for his hard work and dedication and we wish him the best in the future," Hicks told Complex Monday. Lewandowski appeared on CNN shortly after the announcement, revealing he had no answer as to why he had been removed from the campaign:
CNN did not immediately respond to Complex's request for comment.
