Justice Department reviews allegations against Trump ally Corey Lewandowski over DHS contracts
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The gist
The Justice Department is examining allegations that Corey Lewandowski profited from his top DHS post.
The probe targets contract conduct under a secretary Trump already fired.
Background
Corey Lewandowski is a Republican operative and Trump ally who served as de facto chief of staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, originally brought in as a special government employee. Noem was fired by Trump earlier this year and replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin; her handling of DHS contracts, including a claimed $220 million ad campaign, was a main catalyst for her ouster. The DHS inspector general has been examining contracting practices during their tenure, and the referral to the Justice Department is described as an unusual move for an administration hesitant to criminally investigate its own members.
How it unfolded
- Mar 5, 2026Trump announced Sen. Markwayne Mullin would replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary effective March 31, with Noem moving to Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.
- Oct 16, 2026The Washington Post reported that Lewandowski, driven out of DHS with Noem, was pushing for Bill Pulte amid White House infighting.
- Oct 22, 2026The Justice Department was reported to be examining allegations that Lewandowski profited off his top DHS position, based on a referral from the DHS inspector general.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Lewandowski's attorney Adam Trigg said his client has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies any wrongdoing while serving the country in a voluntary capacity.
- Caution
- The referral is an unusual move for the Trump administration, which has been hesitant to criminally investigate its own members, according to CNN.
Still unverified
It is not clear which US Attorney's office is leading the investigation, per CNN. Lewandowski has denied, per the New York Post, reported conversations with Trump about pushing for Bill Pulte.