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A file photo of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where questions of government oversight have emerged amid a criminal investigation involving Corey Lewandowski and his role in Department of Homeland Security contracts.
Trump Ally Corey Lewandowski Faces Criminal Probe Over DHS Role
WASHINGTON — October 22, 2026
Corey Lewandowski, a longtime political ally of US President Donald Trump and former senior aide at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is facing a criminal investigation into allegations that he used his government position for personal financial benefit, according to people familiar with the matter.
The investigation followed a referral from the DHS inspector general's office to the US Department of Justice. The internal watchdog has been examining Lewandowski's involvement in decisions concerning certain government contracts, a DHS official and other people familiar with the case said.
The Justice Department has not yet issued subpoenas or other formal legal demands as part of the investigation, one person familiar with the matter said. The people spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Lewandowski's lawyer, Adam Trigg, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the investigation, said Trigg had stated that his client denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
The inquiry focuses in part on Lewandowski's role in managing government contracts while he served as a senior aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A DHS official said Lewandowski signed some contracts despite questions about whether his position as a special government employee gave him the legal authority to do so.
Two DHS officials also said certain grants and contracts, including some involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), were suspended at Lewandowski's direction. The allegations have not been established in court, and the investigation does not itself prove wrongdoing.
Noem led the Department of Homeland Security before Trump removed her from the position in March. Her tenure faced scrutiny over several controversies, including the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and questions from lawmakers about a $220 million advertising contract promoting Noem that was awarded without the standard competitive bidding process.
Lewandowski previously managed Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and advised his 2024 campaign. His role at DHS placed a longtime political ally of the president inside a major federal department responsible for border security, immigration enforcement and emergency response.
The investigation comes amid wider scrutiny of how the Justice Department handles cases involving political figures. During Trump's presidency, the department has pursued investigations involving prominent critics of the president, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Investigations involving people close to Trump have been less common, while the department has sought to end several existing cases against Trump allies, including people charged over the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
Asked about reports of the investigation, Trump told reporters that he was unfamiliar with its specific details but expected members of his administration to act honestly.
"I want my people to be honest," Trump said, adding that if they were not, he would direct the Justice Department to take whatever action was necessary.
The inquiry remains ongoing, and the available information does not establish whether prosecutors will bring charges against Lewandowski.
