DOJ probes Lewandowski over alleged DHS contract kickbacks

Key points

• The Justice Department is investigating Corey Lewandowski for alleged contract misconduct and kickbacks at the Department of Homeland Security.
• The probe was triggered by a criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General, Joseph Cuffari, who had been examining contracting practices during Noem’s tenure.
• Lewandowski served as an unpaid 'Special Government Employee' but acted as Noem’s gatekeeper, overseeing contracts and grants over $100,000.
• Lewandowski’s attorney, Adam Trigg, stated that his client has not been contacted by the DOJ and denies any wrongdoing.
• The investigation is described as unprecedented for the Trump administration, which has previously been criticized for protecting its own employees from scrutiny.

Background

Lewandowski, a Republican operative and former campaign manager for Trump, joined the DHS early in the president’s second term. He left the department when Noem was fired in March amid scandals, including a $220 million advertising campaign. Earlier reports in September alleged that Lewandowski solicited side deals from Gulf states for personal gain, claims he denied as 'fiction.' The current probe builds on these allegations, focusing on his role in the improper awarding of government contracts.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and The Daily Beast emphasize the unprecedented nature of the DOJ investigating a close ally of the president, contrasting it with the administration’s prior focus on prosecuting political enemies. The Daily Beast highlights the alleged romance between Lewandowski and Noem, describing it as a 'worst-kept secret' in D.C., while CNN focuses on the procedural aspects of the investigation. Yahoo and The New York Times report the facts of the probe and the referral from the Inspector General, noting that Lewandowski’s attorney denies any wrongdoing. All sources agree that the investigation stems from concerns about Lewandowski’s influence over DHS contracting, but they differ in their emphasis on the political implications and the personal relationship with Noem.

Why it matters

The investigation signals a potential shift in the Trump administration’s approach to accountability, as it probes a close ally rather than political opponents. It also raises questions about the integrity of contracting processes at the DHS and the extent of influence wielded by unpaid special employees. The outcome could have broader implications for how the administration handles internal corruption allegations and the role of the Inspector General in overseeing agency practices.

What to watch

The Justice Department is awaiting results from the DHS Inspector General’s probe before proceeding with the investigation. It is unclear which U.S. Attorney’s office will lead the case, as Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has expressed interest in investigating kickbacks. Lewandowski’s attorney has stated that his client has not been contacted by the DOJ, and the Department has declined to comment. The outcome of the investigation could lead to criminal charges or further scrutiny of contracting practices at the DHS.