A criminal investigation is reportedly underway into alleged contracting misconduct at the Department of Homeland Security, and one of the figures caught in the spotlight is Corey Lewandowski, the longtime Trump ally who served as former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s de facto chief of staff — and whose alleged romantic relationship with Noem has drawn widespread attention.
According to multiple people familiar with the investigation who spoke with CNN, Justice Department prosecutors are examining allegations involving DHS contracts during the period when Noem and Lewandowski held significant influence over the agency.
The investigation follows a criminal referral from the DHS inspector general’s office, which has been scrutinizing contracting practices under their watch.
The allegations raise serious questions about how taxpayer dollars were managed inside the department. But the investigation is ongoing, and neither a criminal charge nor a finding of wrongdoing has been established in the reporting.
The inquiry reportedly gained momentum as allegations of possible corruption surrounding DHS contracts emerged.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told officials in her office in recent months that she wanted investigators to look into claims of kickbacks connected to DHS contracting.
Lewandowski’s attorney, Adam Trigg, said his client had not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation and denied wrongdoing.
Lewandowski, a Republican political operative and longtime Trump ally, became a fixture at DHS early in Trump’s second term. Although he was initially designated a special government employee, a classification intended for limited government service, his role reportedly expanded well beyond what many officials considered ordinary.
Multiple people familiar with the department told CNN that his arrangement was uncharted territory. In practice, DHS officials viewed him as Noem’s gatekeeper and top adviser.
That unusual position raises questions about the scope of his authority, how his responsibilities were defined and what oversight applied to his work inside the department.
Lewandowski left DHS after Trump fired Noem earlier this year.
His personal connection to Noem has also attracted scrutiny. Allegations of a romantic relationship between the two have been widely reported, though both have denied the allegations.
Noem’s own spending decisions were already raising questions
The investigation comes against the backdrop of growing scrutiny over Noem’s handling of DHS contracts and spending — an issue reportedly among the factors contributing to her removal.
The Justice Department declined to comment, while DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
