Justice Dept Probes Corey Lewandowski Over Alleged DHS Misconduct
The Justice Department is investigating Corey Lewandowski over alleged contract misconduct at the Department of Homeland Security. The inquiry stems from a DHS inspector general referral.
- Lewandowski served as de facto chief of staff to Kristi Noem.
- $100,000-plus contracts required Noem's sign-off, giving her office broad visibility.
- He officially held a special government employee role meant for limited days.
- He left DHS when Trump fired Noem earlier this year.
Why it matters: The case tests whether the Justice Department will pursue allegations against an administration insider. Critics have accused it of mainly targeting the president's opponents.
- The Wall Street Journal reported the department's public corruption unit is down to two prosecutors.
- Inspector General Joseph Cuffari told Congress in March that DHS leadership obstructed his work.
How 14 sources split on this story
Where they split: Outlets differ on emphasis: left-leaning coverage stresses the administration's record on investigating allies, while right-leaning coverage stresses Lewandowski's denial and coming staff changes.
Left coverage, 7 sources: The left sees a rare and unusual probe of a Trump insider after years of the Justice Department targeting the president's opponents.
Right coverage, 7 sources: The right sees an inspector general referral, a denial from Lewandowski, and a sign of a post-midterm administration housecleaning.
What’s next: Prosecutors had been awaiting the inspector general's findings, which were shared in recent days.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro reportedly asked investigators to examine kickback claims tied to DHS contracts.
- Will the inquiry lead to criminal charges against Lewandowski?
- Does the probe extend to Noem or other DHS officials?
- Would Trump pardon Lewandowski, as he has reportedly told associates he expects?
