▲ Trump aide Corey Lewandowski
Corey Lewandowski, a longtime confidant of U.S. President Donald Trump, is reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations that he profited improperly from government contracts during his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 23rd (local time), the DOJ is investigating whether Lewandowski used his influence over government contracts for personal gain while serving as a senior advisor to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Sources said the investigation began after the DHS Office of Inspector General investigated corruption allegations regarding department contracts for several months and referred the case to federal prosecutors.
Lewandowski served as the campaign manager for President Trump during the 2016 presidential election.
Following the launch of the second Trump administration last year, he joined the DHS as an advisor to former Secretary Noem.
Although he held the status of a special government employee (SGE) with limits on his working period, he reportedly exercised widespread influence over DHS contracts, operations, and personnel decisions during his tenure.
Former Secretary Noem faced criticism for requiring DHS headquarters approval for contracts exceeding $100,000 during her tenure, which delayed the disbursement of emergency funds such as hurricane relief.
Her successor, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, abolished this rule and raised the contract review threshold to $25 million or more.
During former Secretary Noem's tenure, several DHS contracts drew controversy, including a $1 billion contract linked to pro-Trump donors, a $200 million contract for the purchase of private jets for senior officials, and a $200 million promotional ad campaign featuring former Secretary Noem.
Lewandowski left the DHS after President Trump dismissed former Secretary Noem last March.
Lewandowski has denied the allegations of wrongdoing.
President Trump stated that while he does not know the specific details of the investigation, even close aides should be prosecuted if they acted dishonestly.
Responding to reporters' related questions the previous day, President Trump said, "I've heard something about it, but I don't know exactly what it is," adding, "I want my people to be honest."
He continued, "If someone is dishonest, that is not only wrong for the country, but it's wrong for me," emphasizing, "If they are not honest, I will have the Justice Department take the necessary action."
The WP evaluated that it is unusual for the DOJ, which has focused on investigating President Trump's political rivals, to investigate a longtime confidant of the president.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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