One source says DOJ has not yet issued subpoenas in the Corey Lewandowski inquiry

Two DHS officials describe holds on certain grants and contracts

Three U.S. officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday that Corey Lewandowski, a former political adviser to Donald Trump and a top aide at the Department of Homeland Security, was under criminal investigation over allegations that he profited from his role in the U.S. government. All four spoke on condition of anonymity. The Guardian reported the development on October 23, citing Reuters, while The Wall Street Journal first reported the investigation.

Photo caption: Corey Lewandowski at a September 11 observance at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on September 11, 2025. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

One person familiar with the matter said the Justice Department had not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands. Two DHS officials said certain grants and contracts, including those involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were put on hold at Lewandowski’s direction.

A DHS official said Lewandowski had signed some agency contracts despite having what the official described as questionable legal authority to do so as a special government employee.

According to the four people, the investigation began with a criminal referral to the Justice Department from the internal watchdog at DHS. The DHS inspector general’s office has been examining Lewandowski’s involvement in handling certain government contracts, according to one DHS official.

Adam Trigg, Lewandowski’s lawyer, did not immediately respond to a Guardian request for comment. The Guardian said The Wall Street Journal’s initial report quoted Trigg as saying that Lewandowski denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Lewandowski served as a top aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her tenure leading DHS. Trump fired Noem in March after months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and lawmakers’ questions over a $220 million advertising contract promoting Noem that was awarded without a standard bidding process.

Lewandowski previously served as campaign manager during Trump’s first presidential run in 2016 and advised his 2024 campaign.

Asked about media reports on the investigation, Donald Trump told reporters he did not know the specifics. He said, “I want my people to be honest.” He added, “And if they’re not honest, I’ll have my DoJ go and do whatever they have to do.”

Under Trump, the Justice Department has investigated several prominent critics, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The Guardian said investigations of people close to Trump have been rare. The department has also moved to dismiss several existing cases involving Trump allies, including supporters charged in connection with the 6 January 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.