Justice Department probes Corey Lewandowski
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
The Justice Department opened a criminal probe into Corey Lewandowski over whether he profited from his DHS role.
The DHS watchdog referral makes investigating a Trump ally unusual in his second term.
Background
Corey Lewandowski is a longtime Republican operative who managed Trump's first campaign a decade ago and later served as senior adviser and de facto chief of staff to then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The probe follows a referral from the DHS inspector general and centers on allegations of contract misconduct at DHS, including whether Lewandowski personally profited from contracts set up under Noem's tenure. It is one of the rare instances in which a Trump ally or appointee has been investigated during the president's second term, an unusual move for an administration hesitant to criminally investigate its own members.
How it unfolded
- March (year not stated)Lewandowski and Noem were ousted from DHS; he had served as senior adviser and de facto chief of staff to Noem until then.
- April (year not stated)Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee issued a letter expressing intent to investigate allegations Lewandowski solicited personal payments from companies in exchange for government contracts.
- Oct 22, 2026The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Lewandowski over accusations he personally profited from his DHS role, following a referral from the DHS inspector general.
- Oct 22, 2026The investigation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal and also reported by CNN, centers on contract misconduct allegations tied to contracts under Noem's tenure; Trump said he had just heard about it and hadn't been briefed by Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Justice Department declined to comment on the investigation.
- Support
- Lewandowski's lawyer Adam Trigg said his client has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies any wrongdoing while proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity.
- Public
- President Trump told reporters he wants his people to be honest and that if they're not honest they have to be prosecuted, adding that if Lewandowski is honest that's good and if not, you have to pay a price.
- Caution
- Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee said they intended to investigate allegations Lewandowski solicited personal payments from companies in exchange for government contracts.
Still unverified
It was not immediately clear what actions are under investigation, whether GEO Group is involved, or which US Attorney's office is leading the probe. A CNBC report alleged Lewandowski asked GEO Group founder George Zoley to pay him directly in exchange for help securing DHS contracts and protecting existing agreements; Lewandowski denied the allegation. Lewandowski was also described as an alleged affair partner to Kristi Noem.