DOJ Probes Allegations of Corruption Against Corey Lewandowski 

By Nikki McCann Ramirez

Nikki McCann Ramirez

The Justice Department has reportedly opened an investigation into longtime Republican operative Corey Lewandowski, according to a Friday report from CNN. 

Lewandowski, who most recently served as an advisor — and alleged affair partner — to former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. According to CNN, the probe centers around allegations of contract misconduct referred to the Justice Department by Homeland Security’s Inspector General. 

“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,” an attorney for Lewandowski told CNN. 

At DHS, Lewandowski effectively acted as a second in command and gatekeeper to Noem. According to previous reporting from The Wall Street Journal, he was reportedly heavily involved in hiring decisions, filtering information to the secretary, and the negotiation and distribution of government contracts with the department. 

Lewandowski was also described as a bit of a diva within the department. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year that Noem’s advisor had angrily fired a U.S. Coast Guard pilot after one of Noem’s blankets was reportedly left behind on their government plane. The pilot was reinstated shortly thereafter, once it became clear there was no one else available to fly the plane. 

It was also reported that Lewandowski requested to be issued a government firearm, despite having no law enforcement role within DHS. He later denied the reporting, 

Lewandowski’s role in negotiating and distributing contracts with DHS raised concerns among Democrats earlier this year. In April, Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee issued a letter expressing an intent to investigate allegations that  he had “solicited personal payments from companies in exchange for government contracts.” 

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