The White House has indicated it will not intervene to protect Corey Lewandowski, former chief of staff to Kristi Noem at Homeland Security, as he faces a looming criminal investigation over his handling of billions of dollars in no-bid contracts. Sources close to the administration told the Daily Mail that President Trump's aides have no intention of obstructing any potential prosecution if the Homeland Security inspector general refers Lewandowski's case to the Justice Department.
Lewandowski, who served as a special government employee, was ousted from the administration in March. The inspector general's office launched a wide-ranging criminal investigation into Noem, Lewandowski, and associates involved in awarding contracts shortly before their departures. The investigation reportedly involves examining how taxpayer money was handled and accusations of attempts to divert funds for personal gain. Investigators have instructed current and former employees to preserve all communications, including documents, text messages, emails, and phone records.
The Daily Mail reported in March that the watchdog investigation was underway. An administration source stated that watchdog investigators briefed new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on the IG investigation over the summer, and Mullin subsequently shared the information with senior White House officials. The investigation remains ongoing.
Despite Lewandowski's reported belief that President Trump might pardon him if charges were brought, his attorney has denied such expectations, stating he would not seek or require a presidential pardon. This claim comes as new allegations emerge regarding Lewandowski's conduct.
Contract Allegations and Foreign Contacts
Recent reports indicate that while serving as Noem's de facto chief of staff at Homeland Security, Lewandowski allegedly approached senior Qatari officials to solicit side employment. The Wall Street Journal reported that he offered assistance with matters under the department's control, including visa processing, a similar pitch he reportedly made to the United Arab Emirates. Both Gulf states allegedly expressed alarm and declined his offers.
Further allegations suggest Lewandowski delayed action on a $2.7 billion Palantir contract for weeks, reportedly demanding a one-on-one meeting with CEO Alex Karp, which Palantir allegedly refused. The contract was later reduced to $1 billion without explanation.
Lewandowski is also accused of months-long obstructions against the private prison company GEO Group, nearly a decade after the company declined to hire him as a lobbyist in 2017. A representative for Lewandowski has denied these claims, stating he never sought contracts with foreign governments, demanded payment from any contractor, or reviewed/approved deals at DHS.
Internal Culture and Post-Government Career
Following Lewandowski's exit from Homeland Security, sources described a culture of retribution he allegedly fostered within the department. He is also reported to have engaged in a "revenge tour" against Trump administration figures he blamed for his ouster. Lewandowski reportedly worked to undermine officials he disliked, such as Joseph Edlow, former director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, whom he allegedly pressured to expedite visas for certain individuals.
Since leaving government, Lewandowski has established himself as a consultant. Bahrain signed him as a client after he left office, according to a Bahraini official.
Kristi Noem, who was ousted from DHS in March, was given a position within the State Department. She brought several Homeland Security aides with her, though some were later placed on leave by the White House. Noem and Lewandowski have been the subject of previous reporting by the Daily Mail regarding their alleged affair, which both have denied. Noem is also reportedly divorcing her husband, Bryon.