Lewandowski’s Influence at DHS Under Scrutiny Amid Contract Concerns

Investigations are intensifying into the conduct of Corey Lewandowski during his tenure as an advisor to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, focusing on allegations that he sought payments from contractors seeking Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracts. The scrutiny comes from both congressional probes and reports detailing concerns raised by contractors themselves.

Allegations of Solicitation

Reports surfaced in March 2026, and earlier in March 2024, alleging that Lewandowski, while serving as a “special government employee” and de facto chief of staff to Noem, requested payments from companies vying for DHS contracts. Specifically, George Zoley, founder of the GEO Group, a major private prison company, reportedly was asked to pay Lewandowski a “success fee” in exchange for favorable consideration of the company’s contracts, which already exceeded $1 billion annually NBC News.

Zoley reportedly rejected these requests, leading to a tense confrontation with Lewandowski. Following this rejection, company leaders reportedly believe that the length of two of GEO Group’s federal contracts were reduced, and Lewandowski allegedly directed a senior DHS official to halt further contract awards to the company NBC News.

Congressional Investigation

The House Homeland Security Committee, led by Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), is currently investigating the matter, along with a $220 million DHS ad campaign featuring Noem. Garbarino stated that Lewandowski “had his hands in a lot and probably should not have” and that the committee is examining numerous contracts overseen by both Noem and Lewandowski New York Post.

The investigation also revealed that a Noem-imposed rule requiring her office’s approval for contracts exceeding $100,000 created bottlenecks in department actions, including disaster relief and border wall construction New York Post.

Lewandowski’s Denial and Previous Concerns

Lewandowski has denied the allegations, calling reports of soliciting payments “absolutely false” The Independent. Though, he had already faced criticism for his outsized role as a special government employee at DHS.

Broader Implications

The investigations raise questions about the potential for undue influence in the awarding of government contracts and the oversight of DHS spending. The timing of these investigations, following President Trump’s dismissal of Noem, adds another layer of complexity to the situation The Independent.