DOJ Opens Criminal Probe into Corey Lewandowski Over Pay-to-Play Scheme

The Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into Corey Lewandowski following allegations that he used his senior position at the Department of Homeland Security to profit from what looks like a 'pay-to-play' scheme. The Daily Mail reports this move comes after a recent criminal referral sent by the DHS Inspector General. The Wall Street Journal noted earlier that authorities are examining claims that Lewandowski, acting as a top adviser to then-Secretary Kristi Noem, cashed in on his influence.

News first broke in March that the IG launched a wide-ranging investigation into Noem, her rumored lover Lewandowski, and others over billions of dollars in no-bid contracts. The department issued notices to dozens of people involved in approving those deals, including many within Noem's inner circle. Sources say these officials were ordered to keep all communications safe, from emails and text messages to phone records and documents. One senior DHS official familiar with the matter called it long overdue. "There has been too much shady stuff done under their watch," that person said at the time.

Noem lost her job spectacularly after scrutiny hit a controversial $220 million ad campaign showing her on horseback. But the IG's probe went far beyond just the ads. Investigators dug into a wide range of other contracts personally approved by Noem's office, senior DHS officials told the Daily Mail back in March. At this stage, no specific crime has been officially alleged yet. However, the referral shows the IG found criminal activity and handed the file to the Justice Department to follow up on potential prosecution. This longtime Trump loyalist served as Noem's de-facto chief of staff.

DHS contracting processes faced heavy scrutiny over fears of influence peddling and conflicts of interest. Some contractors told White House officials that Lewandowski allegedly asked for 'pay-to-play' fees in exchange for help securing or expanding contracts. Sources say this tactic was widely known as 'the Lewandowski tax.' Lewandowski, a former special government employee, denies any wrongdoing. He has told people close to him he expects Trump would pardon him if charges ever came, though his lawyer denied that claim. An official previously told the Daily Mail that "The White House isn't going to stand in the way," adding that "Corey's fate will be decided by Corey's actions." Another source close to the White House added, "Corey has made his bed, and now he has to lie in it." Noem and Lewandowski kept tight control over the approval of all six-figure contracts.

Months-long backlogs piled up because officials insisted on sole authorization. This gridlock held hostage contracts linked to FEMA disaster relief efforts and construction work on Trump's border wall. Yet sources inside the Department of Homeland Security told the Daily Mail that this tight grip also let the pair skip standard oversight rules entirely. When reporters pressed Lewandowski about an ongoing investigation back then, he shot back with "Fake news."

Kristi Noem, former governor of South Dakota, and Corey Lewandowski were once a power duo during the 2016 Trump campaign. Now the picture is murkier. The DHS Office of Inspector General operates as an independent federal watchdog designed to hunt down fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct. Joseph Cuffari runs the office. He belongs to a tiny group of inspectors who kept their jobs after Trump fired seventeen others right when his second term began.

Cuffari has told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that Noem systematically obstructed eleven of his prior investigations. A senior administration official confirmed to the Daily Mail that Lewandowski also tried multiple times, without success, to get Cuffari removed from DHS before he eventually left.

Last spring, ten of Noem's closest advisers and staffers walked out of Homeland Security. This group included her three deputy chiefs of staff. They moved on to join the State Department. Their new mission was to help her as she took up a role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. Noem recently stepped down from that specific position but still holds an advisory spot at the State Department.

The Daily Mail reached out to Lewandowski, Noem, the DOJ, and the White House asking for comment on these developing stories.