DOJ Opens criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski over allegations of Profiting from DHS role

Longtime Trump Ally Faces Scrutiny After Inspector General Referral; President Calls for Honesty

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Updated23 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources4 outlets

The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski, a former top aide at the Department of Homeland Security and a longtime political ally of President Donald Trump, over allegations that he profited from his role in the US government. The inquiry was initiated following a criminal referral from the DHS Office of Inspector General, according to multiple US officials and a person familiar with the matter.

The investigation centers on Lewandowski's involvement in the handling of certain government contracts, according to a DHS official. Multiple DHS officials said certain grants and contracts, including some involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were put on hold at Lewandowski's direction. The DHS official also stated that Lewandowski signed some contracts despite having questionable legal authority as a special government employee.

Asked about media reports on the investigation, President Trump told reporters he did not know the specifics but said: "I want my people to be honest. And if they're not honest, I'll have my DoJ go and do whatever they have to do."

The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the investigation, quoted Lewandowski's lawyer as saying his client denies all allegations of wrongdoing. A lawyer for Lewandowski did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. The DOJ has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands in the criminal investigation.

The investigation represents a rare instance of a Trump ally being scrutinized by the Justice Department under his administration. The department has investigated several prominent critics of the president while also moving to dismiss existing cases against Trump supporters, including those charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

Lewandowski served as a top aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. President Trump fired Noem in March amid controversy, which included the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and questions over a $220 million advertising contract awarded without a standard bidding process. Lewandowski previously served as Trump's 2016 campaign manager and advised his 2024 campaign.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The investigation breaks a pattern of the Trump DOJ targeting political critics rather than allies, raising questions about potential corruption within the administration.
The scrutiny of how contracts were handled at DHS touches on broader concerns about accountability and oversight in government spending.
The outcome could have significant political ramifications for the President and his allies heading into a midterm election year.

Background

Corey Lewandowski has been a fixture in Donald Trump's political orbit since managing his successful 2016 presidential campaign. He served as a top adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem was dismissed in March after a turbulent tenure marked by controversy, including a $220 million no-bid advertising contract and a fatal incident involving DHS officers in Minneapolis. Lewandowski held the status of a special government employee, a role with limited legal authority for signing contracts.

Key Perspectives

Department of Justice and DHS Inspector General: Their investigation focuses on whether Lewandowski abused his position for personal financial gain, particularly in steering and signing government contracts. President Donald Trump: He has emphasized the need for honesty from his administration but has distanced himself from the specifics of the investigation against his longtime ally. Critics and Skeptics: They point to the Justice Department's track record under Trump of targeting his perceived enemies and dropping cases against his supporters, arguing this investigation may be performative or selectively pursued.

What to Watch

Whether the DOJ escalates the investigation by issuing subpoenas or convening a grand jury.
How President Trump and his administration respond if the investigation moves closer to an indictment.
Whether the inquiry expands to include other DHS officials or contractors involved in the contracts Lewandowski handled.

Sources

DOJ investigates whether Corey Lewandowski profited from DHS role: Report · Washington Examiner
Department of Justice opens criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski · World news | The Guardian
Trump says he 'heard something about' Justice Department probe into longtime ally Corey Lewandowski · Philadelphia Inquirer
Trump says dishonest people have to be prosecuted after DOJ launches investigation into Corey Lewandowski · Washington Examiner

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 2 sources: 8 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe DOJ opened a criminal investigation into Lewandowski over allegations that he profited from his government role.World news | The Guardian: “Department of Justice opens criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski. Corey Lewandowski, a former political adviser to Donald Trump and ⁠top aide at the Department ⁠of Homeland Security, is under criminal investigation over allegations he profited off his role in the US government”
SupportedThe investigation followed a criminal referral from the DHS inspector general.World news | The Guardian: “The investigation began with a criminal referral to the justice department from the internal watchdog at DHS, according to the four people.”
Partly supportedThe DOJ investigation centers on Lewandowski’s involvement in handling certain government contracts.World news | The Guardian: “The DHS inspector general’s office has been investigating ⁠Lewandowski’s involvement in the handling of certain government contracts, according to one of the people, a DHS official.”
SupportedMultiple DHS officials said certain grants and contracts, including some involving FEMA, were put on hold at Lewandowski’s direction.World news | The Guardian: “Certain grants and contracts, including those involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were put on hold at Lewandowski’s direction, according to two of the people, both of whom are DHS officials.”
SupportedA DHS official said Lewandowski signed some contracts despite having questionable legal authority as a special government employee.World news | The Guardian: “Lewandowski had signed some DHS contracts despite having questionable legal authority as a special government ‌employee, according to the DHS official.”
SupportedTrump said, “I want my people to be honest. And if they're not honest, I'll have my DoJ go and do whatever they have to do.”World news | The Guardian: ““I want my people to be honest.” “And if they’re not honest, I’ll have my DoJ go and do whatever they have to do,” Trump added.”
Partly supportedLewandowski’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.World news | The Guardian: “A lawyer for Lewandowski, Adam Trigg, did not immediately respond to ‌a request for comment.”
SupportedThe Wall Street Journal first reported the investigation and quoted Lewandowski’s lawyer saying his client denied all allegations of wrongdoing.World news | The Guardian: “The investigation was first reported in the Wall Street Journal , which quoted Lewandowski’s lawyer as saying that his client denies ‌all allegations of wrongdoing.”
Partly supportedThe DOJ has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands in the investigation.World news | The Guardian: “The DoJ has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands in the criminal investigation, according to one of the people.”
SupportedThe investigation is a rare instance of a Trump ally being scrutinized by the Justice Department under his administration.Washington Examiner: “It marks one of the rare instances of a Trump ally being investigated.”
SupportedTrump fired Noem in March after controversy that included the fatal shootings of two US citizens in Minneapolis and questions about a $220 million advertising contract awarded without standard bidding.World news | The Guardian: “Trump fired Noem in March after ⁠months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and lawmakers’ questions over a $220m advertising contract promoting Noem that was awarded without a standard bidding process.”