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Justice Department reportedly investigating Corey Lewandowski over alleged DHS contract misconduct

A criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General's office reportedly prompted the probe, which Lewandowski's attorney says does not exist.

Updated Oct 23, 2026 · 00:14 UTC4 reports

The short version

  • The Justice Department is reportedly looking into allegations that Corey Lewandowski misused his DHS role for financial gain, according to two sources.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • The probe follows a criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General's office concerning alleged contract misconduct.[The Washington Sun]
  • Lewandowski, a former top adviser to Kristi Noem, denies wrongdoing, and his attorney denies that any investigation exists.[The Washington Sun]
  • Lewandowski reportedly expects a presidential pardon if charged, and Trump said he would not stop prosecuting dishonest people; whether charges will follow is unknown.[The Washington Sun]

Key facts

  • The Justice Department is looking into allegations of contract misconduct connected to Corey Lewandowski after receiving a criminal referral from the DHS Inspector General's office.[The Washington Sun]
  • Two sources familiar with the investigation confirmed to CBS News that the Justice Department is looking into allegations that Lewandowski used his DHS position for financial gain.[CBS News]
  • Lewandowski served as a top adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.[The Washington Sun]
  • Lewandowski's attorney, Adam Trigg, denied that any investigation exists and said Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department.[The Washington Sun]
  • Lewandowski has denied any wrongdoing.[The Washington Sun]
  • The Wall Street Journal reported that Lewandowski expects a presidential pardon if he is charged in a criminal case.[The Washington Sun]
  • Trump said he would never do anything to stop a prosecution if someone is dishonest.[The Washington Sun]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether any investigation exists is disputed: Lewandowski's attorney denies it, while two CBS sources confirmed one.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • The reporting does not establish whether charges will be filed or what the probe's scope and outcome will be.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • The pardon expectation is attributed to Wall Street Journal reporting and is not confirmed by the other cited sources.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.