Investigators with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are examining evidence that former Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski may have improperly influenced government contract awards during his tenure at the agency. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and White House officials have been briefed on the inquiry, which is still active. A referral to the Justice Department for potential criminal review is not anticipated in the immediate future, and Mullin's department is cooperating with the investigation.
Lewandowski, who was President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign manager, served as an unpaid senior advisor to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem before both were removed from the department earlier this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that Lewandowski had significant authority within DHS, including involvement in personnel and contracting decisions. Investigators are looking into various contracts approved during Noem’s time and assessing Lewandowski’s role in those decisions. Some officials reportedly expressed surprise at his direct involvement in the contracting process, with sources indicating that he personally signed certain contracts despite not being a full-time federal official.
In response to the allegations, a representative for Lewandowski stated that he did not issue contracts while at DHS and noted that he had not been contacted by investigators regarding the inquiry. A White House spokeswoman directed requests for comment to DHS, which declined to comment. The investigation is being led by DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, whose office follows a policy of not confirming or denying specific investigations but has pointed to previously announced audits of DHS contracting practices.