DOJ Opens Criminal Investigation Into Corey Lewandowski Over Alleged DHS "Pay-to-Play" Contracts

The Justice Department is investigating whether Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser who served as Kristi Noem's de facto chief of staff at DHS, profited from his role by extracting what contractors reportedly called a "pay-to-play" fee for help winning or expanding DHS contracts. The probe follows a criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General and scrutiny of contracts Noem and Lewandowski allegedly insisted on personally approving, including a $220 million ad campaign.

Officials involved in approving the contracts were reportedly told to preserve records. No charges have been filed, and Lewandowski has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations "fake news"; his lawyer separately denied he expects a pardon if charged. Asked about the probe, Trump said, "I have no idea what he did."