The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, following a referral from the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General (IG). The probe examines allegations that Lewandowski profited from his senior role at DHS under former Secretary Kristi Noem, who was ousted in March amid broader scrutiny of the department’s contracting practices.
Key developments:
- The DOJ confirmed the investigation is in its early stages, focusing on contracting activities at DHS during Noem’s tenure.
- Lewandowski served as a special government employee and de facto chief of staff to Noem until both resigned.
- The IG’s referral cited concerns over no-bid contracts and potential financial improprieties, though no charges have been filed.
Background and context
The investigation stems from a criminal referral submitted by the DHS IG, which had been reviewing DHS spending and contract approvals under Noem’s leadership. Multiple sources, including The Wall Street Journal and ABC News, reported that the probe centers on whether Lewandowski and others in Noem’s inner circle improperly awarded contracts for personal or political gain. The IG’s office had previously ordered officials to preserve all communications, including emails, texts, and phone records, as part of the inquiry.
Lewandowski, who has denied any wrongdoing, stated through his attorney that he has not been contacted by the DOJ regarding the investigation. Adam Trigg, Lewandowski’s lawyer, asserted in a statement that his client “denies any wrongdoing” and emphasized that Lewandowski served in a voluntary capacity during his time at DHS. The DOJ declined to comment on the matter.
Reactions from political figures
Former President Donald Trump, when asked about the investigation during a White House appearance, stated that he “wants his people to be honest” and that dishonesty would result in prosecution. Trump added that he viewed such behavior as “stealing from me as president.” He also noted that he had not been briefed on the specifics of the probe.
The investigation marks a rare instance of the Trump administration’s DOJ scrutinizing one of its own allies, a departure from the administration’s broader pattern of shielding political figures from legal scrutiny. Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager, has been a prominent figure in Republican politics for nearly a decade, playing roles in Trump’s 2016, 2020, and 2024 campaigns.
Scope of the probe
While the DOJ has not disclosed the full scope of the investigation, reporting indicates it is examining contracting decisions made during Noem’s tenure at DHS, particularly those involving no-bid contracts and potential conflicts of interest. The IG’s office had previously flagged concerns over $220 million in ad spending featuring Noem, which contributed to her ouster. However, the current probe appears to focus primarily on Lewandowski’s role in contract approvals and whether he benefited financially from those decisions.
Both Noem and Lewandowski have repeatedly denied wrongdoing, with Noem asserting that Trump was aware of her department’s spending decisions. The IG’s referral suggests that internal watchdogs found sufficient cause to escalate the matter to federal prosecutors, though the legal process is still in its early stages.
Next steps
The investigation remains in its initial phase, with prosecutors reviewing evidence provided by the DHS IG. If the DOJ determines there is sufficient evidence of criminal activity, it could lead to formal charges against Lewandowski or others involved in the contracting process. Legal experts note that the case hinges on whether prosecutors can establish a direct link between Lewandowski’s actions and financial gain, a standard that can be challenging to meet in white-collar investigations.
For now, Lewandowski has not been charged, and the probe does not imply guilt. The outcome will depend on the DOJ’s findings and any subsequent legal proceedings.