A longtime ally of President Donald Trump is facing a criminal investigation over allegations that he used his government position for personal financial gain. The case has raised fresh questions about the handling of federal contracts during the Trump administration.
Corey Lewandowski, who previously served as a senior adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is under investigation by the Department of Justice. The inquiry followed a referral from the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.
Investigators are examining his involvement in government contracts and allegations that he improperly benefited from his influence at the department.
The investigation does not mean Lewandowski has committed a crime. He has denied wrongdoing, and authorities have not announced any criminal charges against him.
Nevertheless, the case places another Trump associate under scrutiny over his conduct while serving in government.
How Lewandowski gained influence at Homeland Security
Lewandowski has maintained a close relationship with Trump for years. He managed Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016 and later advised his 2024 campaign.
During Trump’s second administration, Lewandowski worked as a special government employee at the Department of Homeland Security. He served as a senior adviser to Noem and reportedly exercised influence over important departmental decisions.
Although his official position was temporary, several accounts described him as having significant authority within the department.
According to Reuters, a DHS official said Lewandowski signed certain contracts despite questions about whether his special government employee status gave him the legal authority to do so.
Sources also told Reuters that he directed the suspension of certain grants and contracts, including some involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
These allegations have attracted attention because federal contracts involve public money. Government officials must follow legal and ethical rules when making decisions about how agencies award contracts and distribute funds.
The investigation will need to establish what authority Lewandowski actually exercised and whether any decisions violated federal law.
Allegations involving government contractors
The investigation reportedly grew out of concerns about Lewandowski’s interactions with companies seeking government business.
NBC News previously reported allegations that he sought payment from GEO Group, a private company that provides services to government agencies.
According to sources cited by NBC, Lewandowski allegedly discussed payments in exchange for helping protect and expand the company’s interests with the federal government.
One source said he requested what was described as a success fee.
GEO Group reportedly declined the requests. Lewandowski’s representative previously rejected the allegations, describing the account as false and denying that he demanded compensation from the company.
These claims remain allegations. They have not been established in court, and the public reporting does not establish that Lewandowski received money from GEO Group.
However, the allegations have become part of the wider scrutiny surrounding his work at Homeland Security.
The Justice Department’s investigation is examining whether his activities involved improper financial benefits or other violations of federal law.
The controversial $220 million advertising contract
The investigation has also drawn attention to major contracts awarded during Noem’s time as Homeland Security secretary.
One particularly controversial deal involved a $220 million advertising campaign featuring Noem.
The campaign attracted criticism from lawmakers and government oversight officials because of questions about how the contract was awarded.
Noem acknowledged that she personally approved the advertising contracts. She also said Trump knew about her involvement in approving them.
Trump later told NBC News that he was unhappy with the spending and said he had not known about the arrangement beforehand.
The advertising contract is part of the wider controversy surrounding decisions made at DHS during Noem’s leadership.
However, it is important to distinguish the contract controversy from the criminal allegations against Lewandowski. The existence of a disputed government contract does not, by itself, prove that he committed a crime.
Investigators will need to establish whether his actions involved unlawful conduct.
Trump responds to investigation involving his longtime ally
Trump has publicly addressed reports of the investigation, although he said he did not know its specific details.
Speaking to reporters in October, the president said he expected people working in his administration to be honest.
He added that anyone found to be dishonest should face prosecution.
Trump’s comments were notable because Lewandowski has been part of his political circle for years.
The president did not publicly defend Lewandowski against the allegations. Instead, he said he would allow the Justice Department to take appropriate action.
The White House has not publicly established that Lewandowski is guilty of any wrongdoing.
The Justice Department also declined to discuss the details of the investigation when Reuters reported the case.
Democrats prepare their own scrutiny
The criminal investigation is not the only source of pressure facing Lewandowski.
Senator Maggie Hassan, an incoming Democratic chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has demanded that he preserve records relating to his time at the department.
In a letter reported by ABC News on November 11, Hassan said she intended to use the committee’s oversight powers to investigate potential corruption and waste.
She warned that missing records could raise further questions when the committee requests documents.
Hassan also indicated that she wanted Lewandowski to answer questions under oath.
Her planned inquiry could examine his role in departmental decisions, government contracts and the exercise of authority during Noem’s leadership.
Lewandowski has previously denied wrongdoing. His lawyer did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment about Hassan’s latest letter.
What happens next?
The Justice Department investigation remains a serious development for a former Trump adviser who once held considerable influence within Homeland Security.
However, important questions remain unanswered.
Investigators must determine whether Lewandowski improperly used his government position, whether any financial benefits changed hands and whether federal contracting rules were violated.
Congressional investigators may also seek documents and testimony to establish how decisions were made inside the department.
For now, Lewandowski has not been charged, and his denial of wrongdoing remains part of the public record.
The investigation could provide a closer look at how government contracts were handled during Noem’s leadership and whether political advisers exercised authority beyond their official responsibilities.
For an administration that has repeatedly promised to eliminate government waste and restore accountability, the allegations involving a longtime presidential ally raise difficult questions.
The public will be watching to see whether investigators uncover evidence of misconduct or whether the allegations ultimately fail to support criminal charges.