The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski personally profited from his advisory role at the Department of Homeland Security. Following a referral from the DHS inspector general, investigators are examining alleged contracting fraud, unauthorized approval of DHS contracts, and solicitations to foreign entities. Lewandowski's attorney denied all wrongdoing, while President Donald Trump stated that any dishonest official must face prosecution.
Scope of the Department of Justice investigation
- ▪The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into whether former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski personally profited from his advisory role at the Department of Homeland Security, following an inspector general referral
- ▪The Department of Justice's probe into Corey Lewandowski focuses on potential contracting fraud and contracts awarded by the Department of Homeland Security during former Secretary Kristi Noem's leadership
Lewandowski attorney statements
- ▪Adam Trigg, attorney for Corey Lewandowski, stated that Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies any wrongdoing during his tenure as a special government employee at the Department of Homeland Security
- ▪Attorney Adam Trigg stated that Corey Lewandowski proudly served his country in a voluntary capacity during his time at the Department of Homeland Security
Official responses to inquiry
- ▪The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press regarding the Justice Department's investigation into Corey Lewandowski
- ▪The Department of Homeland Security denied open records requests regarding Corey Lewandowski's tenure, citing an ongoing criminal probe, according to a report by The Washington Sun
Allegations of improper actions at the Department of Homeland Security
- ▪Corey Lewandowski allegedly sought personal financial gain by soliciting Middle Eastern countries to hire him privately to assist with visa and Department of Homeland Security issues, per The Wall Street Journal
- ▪Department of Homeland Security officials reported to Reuters that Corey Lewandowski placed certain agency grants and contracts on hold, including funding involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency
- ▪Department of Homeland Security officials stated to Reuters that Corey Lewandowski approved agency contracts despite lacking legal authority as a special government employee
Corey Lewandowski's roles and status as a special government employee
- ▪Corey Lewandowski served as a special government employee and de facto chief of staff to former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem until March 2026
- ▪Special government employees serve as temporary advisers to federal agencies and are subject to strict legal limits on working days and allowable duties
- ▪Corey Lewandowski previously served as Donald Trump's campaign manager during his 2016 presidential run and worked as an adviser during Trump's 2024 campaign
Ouster and controversies surrounding Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski
- ▪Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced congressional questioning prior to her departure from the agency in March 2026 over awarding a $220 million advertising contract to companies linked to her inner circle
- ▪Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski were ousted from the Department of Homeland Security in March 2026 following controversies, including fatal officer-involved immigration shootings
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