US Justice Department investigating Corey Lewandowski over DHS role

What the report says

The US Department of Justice is investigating Corey Lewandowski, a former top aide to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, over whether he personally benefited from his work at DHS, according to BBC World News reporting based on a CBS News source. The inquiry centers on contracts awarded under Noem’s leadership and follows a referral from the DHS inspector general’s office, which monitors agency conduct.

Lewandowski served as a special government employee and worked closely with Noem until March, when both were removed amid a series of controversies. According to the BBC’s report, DHS officials later said he approved some contracts without having the legal authority to do so in that role. They also said he allegedly paused certain grants and contracts, including some involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

His attorney told CBS that Lewandowski denies wrongdoing and said he had not been contacted by the Justice Department. President Donald Trump said he had heard about the matter but did not know the details. The investigation adds to scrutiny of DHS decision-making under Noem, who also drew criticism over a separate contract matter involving a $220 million advertising award. More broadly, the case highlights ongoing concerns about ethics rules and limits on the actions of temporary federal advisers.