DOJ Investigates Corey Lewandowski for Alleged Pay-to-Play Scheme at Homeland Security

The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski, examining allegations that he profited from his senior role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a 'pay-to-play' scheme. The probe is based on a criminal referral recently submitted to the department by the DHS Inspector General (IG), according to the Daily Mail.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the DOJ is reviewing claims that Lewandowski, while serving as a senior adviser to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, allegedly leveraged his position for personal financial gain. The Daily Mail previously reported in March that the IG had initiated a broad criminal investigation into Noem, Lewandowski, and other associates concerning the alleged awarding of billions of dollars in no-bid contracts.

Sources indicated that notices were sent to dozens of individuals involved in approving these contracts, including many within Noem's inner circle. These individuals were instructed to preserve all communications, including documents, text messages, emails, and phone records. One senior DHS official familiar with the matter commented that the investigation was "long overdue and much needed," citing "too much shady stuff done under their watch."

Noem's tenure at DHS faced scrutiny, partly due to a controversial $220 million advertisement campaign that featured her on horseback. However, the IG's criminal probe extended beyond these advertisements, with investigators looking into a range of other contracts personally approved by Noem's office, as reported by the Daily Mail in March.

While no crime has been formally alleged at this stage, the IG's referral suggests that criminal activity may have been identified, prompting the Justice Department to investigate further. The DHS contracting process drew attention amid concerns of possible influence peddling and conflicts of interest. Some DHS contractors reportedly informed White House officials that Lewandowski allegedly solicited 'pay-to-play' fees in exchange for assistance in securing or expanding contracts, a tactic that sources referred to as 'the Lewandowski tax.'

Lewandowski, who previously held a position as a special government employee, has denied any wrongdoing. He has reportedly told associates that he anticipates a potential pardon from former President Trump if charges were to be filed, a claim his lawyer has denied. An official previously told the Daily Mail that "The White House isn't going to stand in the way" and that "Corey's fate will be decided by Corey's actions."

Noem and Lewandowski reportedly maintained tight control over the approval of all six-figure contracts. Their requirement for sole authorization allegedly created significant backlogs, delaying contracts related to FEMA disaster relief and the construction of segments of the U.S. border wall. DHS sources suggested this centralized control allowed the pair to bypass standard oversight procedures.

When previously contacted for comment on the investigation, Lewandowski responded with "Fake news."

The DHS Office of Inspector General, led by Joseph Cuffari, is an independent federal watchdog agency responsible for investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct. Cuffari has previously informed lawmakers that Noem "systematically obstructed" eleven of his prior investigations. A senior administration official told the Daily Mail that Lewandowski had also made multiple unsuccessful attempts to have Cuffari fired before departing DHS.

Last spring, ten of Noem's close advisors and staffers transitioned from Homeland Security to the State Department, where they were assigned to assist her in her new role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. Noem has since left that specific position but remains in an advisory capacity at the State Department.

The Daily Mail sought comment from Lewandowski, the DOJ, and the White House regarding the investigation.