Former Trump Adviser Corey Lewandowski Under Criminal Investigation Over DHS Role

Corey Lewandowski, a former political adviser to Donald Trump who also served as a top aide at the Department of Homeland Security, is under criminal investigation over allegations that he profited from his role in the US government, Reuters reported on October 23, 2026.

The investigation grew out of a criminal referral to the Justice Department from the DHS internal watchdog. A referral is a formal request that federal prosecutors consider whether a crime may have been committed. The watchdog, the department's inspector general's office, had been investigating Lewandowski's involvement in handling certain government contracts. The Wall Street Journal first reported the investigation, and The New York Times reported that the Justice Department had opened an inquiry.

Lewandowski served as a top aide to Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security secretary, during her tenure leading the department. He is reported to have signed some DHS contracts despite questionable legal authority to do so as a special government employee, a temporary designation for government staff. Certain grants and contracts, including some involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which oversees federal disaster aid, were put on hold at his direction.

A lawyer for Lewandowski said he denies all allegations of wrongdoing. Lewandowski managed Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and advised his 2024 campaign.

CBS News reported that Lewandowski has not been charged with a crime in connection with the Justice Department investigation.