Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
DHS watchdog refers Lewandowski investigation to Justice Department
The DHS inspector general referred its Lewandowski investigation to the Justice Department for review.
The inquiry concerns Corey Lewandowski, a former aide to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
It began with questions about how DHS awarded a $220 million advertising contract featuring Noem.
The investigation later expanded after allegations that Lewandowski sought payment from GEO Group, a company seeking other government contracts.
GEO Group declined his requests, according to people familiar with the matter, and Lewandowski’s lawyer says he denies wrongdoing and has not been contacted by the Justice Department.
Noem said she personally approved the advertising contracts, while President Donald Trump said he was unaware of them.
The Justice Department is reviewing the allegations, but the sources do not say what action it will take next.
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general referred its investigation of Corey Lewandowski to the Justice Department.
The Justice Department is examining allegations that Lewandowski used his DHS role for financial gain.
The inquiry is linked to contracts awarded during Kristi Noem’s tenure as homeland security secretary, including a $220 million advertising contract.
Lewandowski’s attorney says he has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies wrongdoing.
Lewandowski has not been charged with a crime.
- Who
- Corey Lewandowski, a former adviser to Kristi Noem and longtime Trump ally, is the subject of the inquiry.
- What
- The Justice Department is examining allegations that he used his DHS role for financial gain.
- When
- The referral was reported on October 22, 2026; DHS’s inspector general shared its findings with the Justice Department in recent weeks.
- Where
- The inquiry concerns Lewandowski’s work at the Department of Homeland Security in the United States.
- Why
- The investigation follows allegations of personal financial gain connected to contracts during Noem’s tenure at DHS.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lewandowski and Noem left the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS’s inspector general shared findings with the Justice Department.
News outlets reported that the Justice Department was examining the allegations after receiving the inspector general’s referral.
- Referral source
- DHS Office of Inspector General
- Investigating agency
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Contract at issue
- $220 million DHS advertising campaign
- Former secretary
- Kristi Noem
- Lewandowski status
- Not charged with a crime
8 sources
Department of Justice opens criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski
DHS watchdog refers its Corey Lewandowski investigation to Justice Department for review
DOJ opens investigation into Trump ally Corey Lewandowski
Trump on Lewandowski probe reports: 'I want my people to be honest'
DOJ investigating Corey Lewandowski over DHS role, sources say
DOJ Probes Allegations of Corruption Against Corey Lewandowski
Presse: Ermittlungen gegen Ex-Berater von US-Regierung
What people are saying
Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity.
I want my people to be honest, and if they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted.
I will never do anything to stop the prosecution of someone who’s dishonest.