KVIG Informative

A federal watchdog’s criminal referral has put Corey Lewandowski, the unofficial chief of staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, under Justice Department investigation, according to reports. He denies wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed.

The Justice Department is investigating Lewandowski after a criminal referral from Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari, ABC News reported October 22, citing sources. The Wall Street Journal first reported the probe. The investigation is in its early stages, sources told ABC, and prosecutors are reportedly waiting for the inspector general’s findings.

Lewandowski served as a special government employee during Noem’s time as secretary, effectively acting as her chief of staff, ABC reported. His attorney, Adam Trigg, said the Justice Department has not contacted Lewandowski about any investigation and that Lewandowski denies wrongdoing. Noem and Lewandowski have both repeatedly denied wrongdoing. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.

The referral grew out of an inspector general investigation that CNN reported was launched in late March into how DHS contracts were solicited and handled under Noem and Lewandowski. Trump ousted Noem earlier that month, and her handling of contracts was one of the main catalysts, CNN reported. Cuffari had told Congress in early March that DHS leadership was obstructing some of his work.

News reports have said the inquiry reaches no-bid contracts tied to a $220 million advertising campaign that featured Noem, along with a $1 billion warehouse purchase for detention facilities that DHS later scrapped. The inspector general’s office had earlier announced a separate audit of DHS grants and contracts awarded without full and open competition in fiscal year 2025. Current Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin pledged at his confirmation hearing to cooperate with the inspector general to the extent the law requires.

Asked about the probe on Thursday, Trump said he did not know the details. He said he wants his people to be honest and that anyone who is not should be prosecuted, according to Newser’s summary of his remarks.

Prosecutions of officials in this administration have been rare. NPR reported this year that the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, which handles sensitive cases involving federal officials, has seen its caseload fall from about 200 investigations and cases to about 20. Newser noted that the department has not often looked into allegations against Trump administration officials.

The referral exists because an inspector general’s office kept investigating while telling Congress it was being obstructed. Prosecutors have not charged anyone, and Lewandowski denies wrongdoing. What the Justice Department does with the findings will show whether an inspector general’s referral still leads somewhere.