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Justice Dept. Opens Inquiry Into Trump Adviser Corey Lewandowski
· Confirmed
In Short: The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Corey Lewandowski, a longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, over allegations of profiting from his role at the Department of Homeland Security.
Lewandowski, who served as an adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is under scrutiny for alleged financial improprieties during his tenure. The investigation was prompted by allegations that Lewandowski may have sought payments from companies with business before DHS, a claim he denies.
A representative for Lewandowski told The Wall Street Journal that he has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denied any wrongdoing. '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,' said his lawyer, Adam Trigg, in a statement.
President Donald Trump, when asked about the inquiry by reporters outside the White House, stated that he wants his staff to be held accountable. 'If they're not honest, I'll have my DOJ go and do whatever they have to do,' Trump said, emphasizing the importance of honesty among his team.
The DHS inspector general's referral to the Justice Department marks a rare instance of an ally or appointee of President Trump being investigated for potential wrongdoing during his second term. The inquiry is part of a broader examination of contracting abuses within DHS, according to CNN.
Lewandowski's influence at DHS was significant, including hosting meetings in Noem’s office without her presence and playing a role in directing the agency’s immigration operations. Some of the approvals during his tenure were reviewed by Lewandowski, who signed memos alongside Noem.
The investigation into Lewandowski is notable given the Trump administration's history of avoiding investigations of its own appointees. This case stands out as one of the first instances where a Trump ally has faced such scrutiny, highlighting the changing dynamics within the administration.
While the DHS inspector general declined to confirm the existence of the probe, multiple reports have corroborated the investigation's initiation. The inquiry underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability within federal agencies.
What this adds
The investigation into Corey Lewandowski marks a departure from the Trump administration's usual approach to avoiding investigations of its own appointees. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny of financial improprieties within federal agencies.
Background
A justice ministry, ministry of justice, or department of justice, is a ministry or other government agency in charge of the administration of justice. The ministry or department is often headed by a minister of justice or a secretary of justice.
What's confirmed
- "They are stealing from me. So I want my people to be honest. And if they're not honest, I'll have my DOJ go and do whatever they have to do," he added.
- "All I know is I want my people to be honest," Trump said.
What's still developing
- “This is absolutely false and did not happen — Mr. Lewandowski never demanded any payment or compensation from the Geo Group, at any time,” his representative said.
- But the spokesperson noted that an annual audit of DHS grants and contracts awarded “through means other than full and open competition during fiscal year 2025” was underway, as is required by Congress.
- “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.
- “If people are not honest, they’re stealing from me.” Any dishonest people, he added, would be handled by “my DOJ.” A lawyer for Lewandowski denied suggestions that he had done anything improper or illegal.
- The referral is among the first in a Trump administration that has avoided investigating its own, even as lawmakers and others accuse the Justice Department of targeting Trump's political adversaries instead.
- Noem also faced controversy in her final stretch in the job over her alleged affair with Lewandowski, though both deny any extramarital relationship.