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DOJ Investigates Lewandowski Over DHS Allegations
· Confirmed
In Short: The Justice Department is investigating Corey Lewandowski over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security.
The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski based on allegations that he profited from his senior role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a 'pay-to-play' scheme, according to the Daily Mail and CBS News.
Lewandowski served as a senior adviser and de facto chief of staff to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem until both were ousted from the department in March.
According to CBS News, some senior DHS officials privately complained about what they viewed as micromanagement of contracts and operational decisions by Noem and Lewandowski.
The investigation stems from a referral by the DHS inspector general, which shared its findings about Lewandowski’s tenure at the department in recent days.
Lewandowski’s lawyer denied that any investigation is taking place, and Lewandowski himself has denied wrongdoing.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that the DOJ has opened a probe into Corey Lewandowski over alleged misconduct.
The Daily Mail reported that Lewandowski also unsuccessfully tried to get Cuffari fired on multiple occasions before leaving DHS.
Lewandowski had a significant influence at the agency and played a role in directing the agency’s immigration operations.
Noem required her personal written approval for contracts, grants, and funding obligations above $100,000.
The investigation includes allegations that Lewandowski sought financial arrangements with Middle Eastern countries involving visa-related matters and solicited kickbacks from government contractors seeking federal business.
Lewandowski effectively acted as a second in command and gatekeeper to Noem at DHS.
The DHS inspector general had previously launched a broader investigation into the department’s contracting practices, including the involvement of Noem and Lewandowski, CNN reported in March.
Background
The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski based on allegations that he profited from his senior role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a 'pay-to-play' scheme, according to the Daily Mail.
What's confirmed
- "Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity."
- A senior administration official told the Daily Mail that Lewandowski also unsuccessfully tried to get Cuffari fired on multiple occasions before leaving DHS.
- Donald Trump’s Justice Department is looking into allegations that Corey Lewandowski personally profited from his position when he was an unpaid “Special Government Employee” with the Department of Homeland Security, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
- “The inquiry is based on a referral from the DHS inspector general, which shared its findings about Lewandowski’s tenure at the department in recent days.” Members get Talking Points analysis, Trending News, the Polling Dashboard, the Trial Balloon podcast, new site features and no ads.
- WASHINGTON (VINnews) — The Justice Department is investigating Republican operative Corey Lewandowski over allegations that he misused his government position for personal financial gain while serving as a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security.
- "I want my people to be honest, and if they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted."
- “The Biden Justice Department found that there was no wrongdoing by any one of my campaign staff, my office, or me,” the five-term Maine senator said on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.
- “I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” she said.
What's still developing
- It was also reported that Lewandowski requested to be issued a government firearm, despite having no law enforcement role within DHS.
- Kravchenko has rejected any allegations against him, calling them “completely unsubstantiated” and denying wrongdoing.
- "This is a political decision. And I made it consciously," Kravchenko announced.
- Guilfoyle has denied the allegations and continued to deny them as she announced she’d leave the post Tuesday.
- “I will forever be grateful to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting me with the extraordinary privilege of representing the greatest country in the history of the world,” she wrote in a lengthy statement announcing her resignation.