Corey Lewandowski reportedly faces DOJ review after DHS watchdog referral
News outlets report that DHS watchdog findings on Corey Lewandowski were sent to DOJ; he has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
A reported Corey Lewandowski DOJ review is now under way after the Department of Homeland Security inspector general referred findings from its inquiry to the Justice Department, according to news outlets citing people familiar with the matter.
The reporting does not establish that DOJ has filed charges or reached a conclusion. CBS News said the department declined to comment, while Lewandowski’s lawyer said his client has not been contacted by DOJ and denies wrongdoing.
What is the DOJ reportedly reviewing involving Corey Lewandowski?
The reported review concerns allegations that Lewandowski used his position at DHS for personal financial gain connected to department contracts. The Wall Street Journal first reported that DOJ was examining the allegations after receiving the inspector general’s referral, and NBC News and CBS News subsequently reported the referral and review.
Lewandowski had worked as a senior adviser and de facto chief of staff to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, CBS News reported. He and Noem left the department in March.
The inspector general’s original inquiry centered on questions over how DHS awarded a $220 million advertising contract for a campaign featuring Noem, according to NBC News. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said during his March Senate confirmation hearing that the inspector general was examining that contract, NBC reported.
According to NBC, the inquiry later expanded after allegations that Lewandowski sought payment to protect and advance the interests of GEO Group while the company pursued government contracts unrelated to the advertising campaign.
NBC previously reported that sources described two meetings with GEO Group in which Lewandowski asked the company to pay him. One source said he sought a “success fee,” and NBC reported that GEO Group declined the requests.
Has Corey Lewandowski been charged?
No. CBS News reported that Lewandowski has not been charged with a crime. A DOJ review or inquiry is not itself a criminal charge and does not establish that a crime occurred.
Adam Trigg, Lewandowski’s attorney, told NBC News and CBS News that Lewandowski had not been contacted by DOJ about an investigation. Trigg said Lewandowski “denies any wrongdoing” while serving the country in a voluntary role.
President Donald Trump said he had only just heard about the reported investigation and had not been briefed by Attorney General Todd Blanche, CBS News reported. Trump said that people who are dishonest should be prosecuted, according to the network.
For now, the public account rests on reporting from people familiar with the matter. No DHS inspector general referral document, DOJ statement confirming the review or court filing was included in the reports.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.