The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has formally referred its investigation into former “special government employee” Corey Lewandowski to the Justice Department, marking a significant escalation in the scrutiny surrounding his tenure at the agency.
The investigation, which initially focused on the procurement process for a $220 million advertising campaign featuring former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has broadened in scope. Current Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin first confirmed the inspector general’s interest in the ad contract during his Senate confirmation hearing in March.
However, the inquiry expanded significantly following reports that Lewandowski allegedly solicited payments from the GEO Group, a private prison operator, in exchange for leveraging his position to benefit the company’s business interests. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Lewandowski sought a “success fee” during meetings with the company, though the GEO Group ultimately declined his requests.
Adam Trigg, an attorney representing Lewandowski, dismissed the referral on Thursday, stating that his client has not been contacted by the Justice Department. “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,” Trigg said. A previous statement from a representative for Lewandowski in March similarly denied that he had ever demanded compensation from the GEO Group, calling the allegations “absolutely false.”
The controversy follows a tumultuous period for the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Noem. Before her eventual firing by President Trump, Noem faced intense scrutiny over the $220 million ad campaign and her separate attempt to secure a $70 million luxury jet for department use. While Noem initially claimed that President Trump was aware of her role in approving the ad contracts, the President later publicly distanced himself from the expenditure, telling NBC News, “I wasn’t thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didn’t know about it.”
Lewandowski, a former top Trump adviser and the architect of his 2016 presidential campaign, served as a top aide to Noem during her time as secretary. He departed the department shortly after her ouster.
When asked about the DOJ referral on Thursday, President Trump maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing a commitment to accountability. “I heard something about it, but I don’t know exactly what it is,” Trump told reporters. “All I know is I want my people to be honest, and if they’re not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted. I will never do anything to stop the prosecution of someone who’s dishonest.”
The Justice Department has not yet provided comment on the specific nature of the review or whether it intends to pursue formal charges.
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