The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski, the longtime Trump ally who served as a top aide at the Department of Homeland Security, over allegations that he personally profited from his government position.
The inquiry, first reported by the Wall Street Journal on October 22 and confirmed by multiple outlets through people familiar with the matter, follows a criminal referral from the DHS inspector general. Investigators are examining allegations of personal financial gain connected to Lewandowski’s work at Homeland Security, including the handling of government contracts during his tenure, according to the reports.
The probe is a striking development because investigations of people close to the president have been rare in his second term. The department has instead pursued cases against prominent Trump critics, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Trump declines to defend him — fully
Asked about the investigation Thursday, Trump did not offer his former aide a full-throated defense. “I heard something about it, but I don’t know exactly what it is,” he 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.”
Lewandowski’s attorney, Adam Trigg, denied any wrongdoing, telling the Journal that the Justice Department had not contacted his client. “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.
Early days
The investigation is understood to be at an early stage: no subpoenas or other legal demands have been issued, according to people familiar with the matter. Lewandowski, Trump’s first 2016 campaign manager, worked closely with former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and left the department after she was ousted in March.
Separately, reporting has tied the inspector general’s scrutiny to questions around a $220 million advertising contract awarded without standard competitive bidding during Noem’s tenure. Prosecutors have not publicly confirmed any of the details, and no charges have been filed.
