The Justice Department has opened an investigation into Corey Lewandowski, a former top adviser to ex-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following allegations he exploited his government position for personal financial gain through department contracts.
Inspector General Triggers Federal Probe
Federal prosecutors launched the investigation after receiving a criminal referral from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General in recent weeks. The allegations center on contracts established during Noem’s tenure at DHS, where Lewandowski served as senior adviser and de facto chief of staff until both were removed from their positions in March. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed the investigation to CBS News, though Lewandowski has not been charged with any crime.
Lewandowski’s attorney Adam Trigg issued a strong denial, stating his client has received no contact from the Justice Department and committed no wrongdoing while serving the country in a voluntary capacity. The Justice Department declined comment on the matter, while DHS has not responded to requests for information.
Trump Demands Honesty From Administration Officials
President Trump addressed the investigation Thursday, telling reporters he had just learned about the matter and had not been briefed by Attorney General Todd Blanche. The president took a firm stance on government integrity, declaring that dishonest officials must face prosecution. Trump emphasized that such behavior harms both the country and him personally, adding that honest people deserve support while those who act dishonestly must pay a price for their actions.
Contract Approval Process Created Departmental Bottlenecks
During her time leading DHS, Noem implemented a policy requiring her personal written approval for any contracts, grants, or funding obligations exceeding one hundred thousand dollars. While intended to strengthen oversight and prevent waste, the policy created significant operational problems. Department officials reported substantial backlogs developed for funding they considered essential, including disaster relief programs that faced delays due to the centralized approval requirement. Critics argued the bottleneck undermined the department’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies and fulfill its core mission of protecting the homeland.
