Kristi Noem’s former ally Corey Lewandowski faces DOJ probe over alleged ‘pay-to-play’ DHS scheme

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: The Justice Department is investigating Corey Lewandowski over allegations that he used his senior role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to profit from government contracts.

The probe follows a criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General and comes months after scrutiny expanded over contracts approved under Kristi Noem’s leadership.

President Donald Trump addressed the investigation on Thursday, October 22, saying he had no knowledge of what Lewandowski may have done.

Corey Lewandowski faces DOJ probe over DHS contracts

The investigation centers on allegations that Lewandowski, who served as a senior adviser to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, profited from his position.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the DOJ was examining the allegations, while the Daily Mail reported that the department had received a criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General.

Asked about the matter by reporters on the White House lawn, Trump said: “I view it as if people aren’t honest, they’re stealing from me... I guess I could stop anything. I have no idea what he did.”

The referral follows a broader investigation launched by the DHS Inspector General into Noem, Lewandowski and others over alleged irregularities involving government contracts.

Officials involved in approving the contracts were reportedly instructed to preserve documents, emails, text messages and phone records.

Lewandowski has denied wrongdoing. When previously contacted about the investigation, he dismissed the allegations as “Fake news.”

Lewandowski accused of soliciting DHS contract kickbacks

The allegations extend beyond the controversial $220 million advertising campaign featuring Noem on horseback.

Investigators were reportedly examining a broader range of contracts approved by Noem’s office, raising concerns about possible influence-peddling and conflicts of interest.

Some DHS contractors reportedly told White House officials that Lewandowski had solicited “pay-to-play” fees in exchange for helping them secure or expand contracts.

Sources described the alleged practice as the “Lewandowski tax.”

No charges have been announced in connection with the allegations outlined in the reports, and the claims have not been established in court.

Noem and Lewandowski reportedly maintained tight control over the approval of six-figure contracts.

Their insistence on personally authorizing them allegedly contributed to months-long backlogs, delaying contracts related to FEMA disaster relief and the construction of President Donald Trump’s border wall.

DHS sources also claimed that the arrangement allowed the pair to bypass standard oversight procedures.

Kristi Noem’s $220 million DHS ad campaign faces scrutiny

Noem’s tenure at DHS came under scrutiny partly because of the $220 million advertising campaign featuring her on horseback.

However, the Inspector General’s investigation reportedly extended to other contracts approved by her office.

The DHS Office of Inspector General is an independent watchdog responsible for investigating fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct.

It is led by Joseph Cuffari, who has told lawmakers that Noem “systematically obstructed” 11 of his previous investigations.

A senior administration official also claimed that Lewandowski had unsuccessfully tried to get Cuffari fired several times before leaving DHS.

Lewandowski has reportedly told people close to him that he expects Trump would pardon him if charges were ever brought. His lawyer has denied that claim.

The White House has previously indicated that Lewandowski would be responsible for his own actions. One official told the Daily Mail: “The White House isn't going to stand in the way. Corey's fate will be decided by Corey's actions.”

Another source close to the White House said: “Corey has made his bed, and now he has to lie in it.”

Kristi Noem’s former DHS aides move to State Department

After leaving DHS, several members of Noem’s inner circle moved with her to the State Department.

Last spring, 10 of her closest advisers and staffers, including her three deputy chiefs of staff, left Homeland Security to assist her in her role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.

Noem has since left that position but remains in an advisory role at the State Department.