Justice Department opens a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski’s time at DHS

The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski over his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, according to sources^1,2. The department is looking into allegations involving Lewandowski, a former top adviser to ex-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem⁶. Investigators are examining whether he profited from his work for Noem^7,10.

The DHS inspector general referred its investigation of Lewandowski to the Justice Department for review^3,4,5. The inquiry follows that referral into potential contracting fraud during Noem’s tenure as Homeland Security secretary⁷. The probe centres on contracting decisions made during her brief time at DHS¹⁰.

Lewandowski, the first manager of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, served as a top aide to Noem^1,3. Trump fired Noem in March^1,2.

Why it matters to investors

The probe follows a $220 million DHS ad campaign and examines ties to GEO Group⁹. The allegations concern alleged contract fraud and profiteering at DHS^8,9. Lewandowski also reportedly sought contracts with multiple Gulf states while he advised Noem⁸. The Justice Department inquiry is described as a criminal investigation into his DHS tenure, based on sources familiar with it^1,2.

The investigation therefore reaches into the department’s contracting, including the ad campaign and the GEO Group links examined by investigators^7,9. The origins of the investigation lie in the $220 million campaign, according to one account of the referral⁹. The referral itself concerned potential contracting fraud, which places DHS contracting decisions under Noem at the centre of the case^7,10.

The case also touches a longtime Trump ally. Lewandowski is described as a longtime ally of the president who served as Noem’s top aide^3,4. The investigation began inside the department, with a DHS inspector general inquiry that was then referred to prosecutors^3,5. Trump fired Noem in March, before the referral became public^1,2.

What to watch

The reports describe an investigation, not charges, at the stage that followed the inspector general’s referral^1,3. The next markers are whether prosecutors bring any case and what the inquiry finds on the $220 million ad campaign^1,9.

Investors with exposure to DHS contractors will watch what the probe finds on the GEO Group ties and on the contracting decisions made during Noem’s tenure^9,10. Any findings on Lewandowski’s reported pursuit of contracts with Gulf states would widen the case beyond DHS⁸.