Justice Department Investigates Corey Lewandowski
The Justice Department is currently looking into claims surrounding Corey Lewandowski, who was a prominent advisor to Kristi Noem while she served as Secretary of Homeland Security. Allegations suggest that he may have abused his position for personal financial gain.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General referred its investigation to the Justice Department after analyzing Lewandowski’s involvement in a $220 million advertising campaign executed by DHS. This inquiry has since expanded to include accusations that he pressured a company seeking government contracts while advising Noem.
Lewandowski has not been charged with any crime related to this inquiry and continues to deny any misconduct.
Sources indicate that the allegations pertain to financial benefits linked to contracts that were established during Noem’s leadership at DHS. Recently, the OIG provided its findings to the Justice Department. Reports have referred to this referral as “criminal” in nature.
In his role, Lewandowski acted as a special government employee, serving as Noem’s senior advisor and effectively her chief of staff. He departed from the DHS in March, after President Trump removed Noem due to concerns about her extravagant spending and Lewandowski’s influence over contractor selections.
Current DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated at his confirmation hearing that the inspector general’s office was reviewing the advertising contract.
The investigation also delves into claims that Lewandowski sought monetary compensation from GEO Group, a company pursuing separate government contracts, in exchange for advocating for their interests in Washington. A spokesperson for Lewandowski strongly denied these allegations earlier this year.
Noem has admitted to approving the ad contracts personally and maintained that Trump was informed about her involvement. However, following her ousting, Trump expressed dissatisfaction, stating he was not aware of the spending, commenting, “I spent less money than that to become president.”
Additionally, under Noem’s administration, contracts and grants exceeding $100,000 required her specific written authorization. Some officials have conveyed that this led to substantial backlogs, notably within FEMA and the broader disaster relief funding process.
Recently, Trump addressed the investigation, commenting that while he had heard about it, he was not fully informed. He insisted on the importance of honesty among his associates, saying, “If they’re not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted.” He carried on, emphasizing, “I will never do anything to stop the prosecution of someone who’s dishonest.” Trump also mentioned that he felt betrayed, stating, “They are stealing from me.”
Lewandowski’s attorney responded, asserting that Lewandowski has yet to be approached by the Justice Department regarding any investigation and reiterated that he denies any wrongdoing during his service.
Longtime Trump ally Roger Stone also commented, describing his past decision to hire Lewandowski as “probably the biggest mistake I ever made” and labeling him derogatorily.
Lewandowski was the campaign manager for Trump’s 2016 presidential run until he was dismissed mid-campaign. He later advised Trump’s subsequent campaigns.
No official report from the inspector general has yet been released to the public. Requests for comments from the Justice Department, DHS, and Lewandowski’s legal team went unanswered.
