Justice Department Investigating Trump Ally Corey Lewandowski's Tenure at DHS

The Justice Department is examining contracting activities at the Department of Homeland Security and scrutinizing Corey Lewandowski, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. Lewandowski served as a top aide to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The investigation, which is in its early stages, follows a referral to the Justice Department from DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari concerning Lewandowski's conduct. The probe is focused on the department's contracting activities during the first year of the second Trump administration.

Lewandowski, who worked in a voluntary capacity, was described as serving as Noem's chief of staff. The DHS faced scrutiny over its spending practices through government contracts during their tenure. Noem and Lewandowski were removed from their positions in March after Noem stated that President Trump was aware of her decision to initiate a $220 million digital advertising campaign for the department that prominently featured her.

Both Noem and Lewandowski have denied any wrongdoing. Lewandowski's attorney, Adam Trigg, stated that his client has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies any misconduct. A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment.

When asked about the probe on Thursday, President Trump said he was unaware of the investigation's specifics but emphasized his desire for honesty among his staff. "All I know is I want my people to be honest," Trump told reporters. "And if they're not gonna be honest they have to be prosecuted. I don't know about specifically, but -- because I view if people are not honest they're stealing from me."

The inquiry represents a rare instance of the Justice Department examining the conduct of an ally of the president during his administration. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the Justice Department's investigation into Lewandowski.