Justice Department Reviewing Allegations Corey Lewandowski Profited From Top DHS Role After Watchdog Referral

Federal prosecutors are reviewing allegations that Corey Lewandowski, the longtime Trump political adviser who served as a top aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, used his government position to benefit himself financially, according to reports from multiple news organizations citing people familiar with the matter.

The Justice Department inquiry follows a referral from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, the agency’s internal watchdog, led by Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, according to ABC News. CBS News reported that the watchdog passed along its findings in recent weeks. The Wall Street Journal first reported the review on Thursday, Oct. 22, and Reuters, citing three U.S. officials and a fourth person, described it as a criminal investigation.

Lewandowski has not been charged with any crime, and he denies wrongdoing.

What investigators are examining

According to NBC News, the inspector general’s probe began with questions about how DHS awarded a $220 million contract for an advertising campaign that featured Noem. Markwayne Mullin, who now leads the department, told senators at his confirmation hearing in March that the inspector general was looking into that contract.

NBC News reported that the inquiry later widened after it reported allegations that Lewandowski had sought payment from the GEO Group, a private prison and detention company that was pursuing federal contracts not connected to the ad campaign. Sources told NBC News about two meetings with the company in which Lewandowski allegedly asked to be paid, with one source saying he wanted a “success fee.” The GEO Group turned those requests down, according to the report.

In March, a spokesperson for Lewandowski rejected that account. “This is absolutely false and did not happen — Mr. Lewandowski never demanded any payment or compensation from the Geo Group, at any time,” the representative said at the time.

CBS News reported that the allegations of personal financial gain relate to contracts set up while Noem ran the department. According to Reuters, as reported by The Guardian, prosecutors have not sent out any subpoenas or similar legal demands so far. ABC News said the probe is in its early stages.

Lewandowski’s response

Adam Trigg, an attorney for Lewandowski, issued the same statement to several outlets. “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,” Trigg said.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment, according to ABC News and CBS News.

Trump: ‘They have to be prosecuted’

President Donald Trump was asked about the matter on Thursday. “I heard something about it, but I don’t know exactly what it is,” Trump said, according to NBC News. “All I know is I want my people to be honest, and if they’re not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted.”

He added, “I will never do anything to stop the prosecution of someone who’s dishonest.” According to CBS News, Trump said Attorney General Todd Blanche had not briefed him, and quoted him as saying, “If he’s honest that’s good. If he’s not honest, you have to pay a price.”

Background

Lewandowski ran Trump’s first presidential bid in 2016 during its early months and also had roles in the 2020 and 2024 runs, CBS News reported. At DHS, he held the title of “special government employee” and worked as Noem’s senior adviser, in effect running her office as chief of staff. Both left the department in March, after Trump fired Noem.

Before her firing, Noem said publicly that she had personally signed off on the ad campaign contracts and that Trump knew about her role, according to NBC News. After she was removed, Trump told NBC News, “I wasn’t thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didn’t know about it.” NBC News also reported that Noem had faced scrutiny weeks before her firing over efforts to acquire a $70 million luxury jet for the department.

ABC News noted that the review is a rare case of the current Justice Department examining the conduct of one of the president’s allies.