Overview
- The Justice Department opened an inquiry Thursday after receiving a criminal referral from the DHS Office of Inspector General about contracting during Kristi Noem’s tenure.
- DHS investigators reported in July that they found evidence suggesting Lewandowski may have improperly steered or approved contracts while serving as an unpaid special government employee.
- Lewandowski served as a powerful adviser and de facto gatekeeper who reviewed or signed off on many DHS spending decisions under a policy requiring Noem’s approval for contracts over $100,000.
- Reporting has alleged Lewandowski sought outside work from Middle Eastern countries and solicited payments from contractors, but his attorney says he denies wrongdoing and has not been contacted by DOJ; no charges have been filed and DOJ declined comment.
- The inquiry is politically notable because it involves a close ally of President Trump and could prompt congressional oversight and scrutiny of DHS contracting practices if investigators pursue the case further.