Overview
- Investigators told reporters on Friday that the DHS Office of Inspector General has uncovered evidence suggesting Corey Lewandowski may have improperly influenced the awarding of multiple DHS contracts.
- The probe is led by Inspector General Joseph Cuffari and remains active as investigators examine contracts approved during Kristi Noem’s tenure.
- Officials say investigators are weighing whether to refer the matter to the Justice Department for possible criminal review, though a referral is not expected immediately.
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and White House officials have been briefed and Mullin’s department is reported to be cooperating with the inquiry.
- Lewandowski, who served as an unpaid special government employee with unusually broad authority at DHS, denies issuing contracts and says he has not been contacted by investigators, and ongoing OIG audits of DHS contracting will help determine whether the findings move beyond administrative review.