Federal investigators have uncovered evidence pointing to potential criminality in government contract awards. The findings add to an ongoing scandal linked to Kristi Noem‘s controversial run as Homeland Security chief and her alleged lover.
Corey Lewandowski reportedly may have been involved in improper contract awards
Federal investigators are now weighing a potential criminal referral to the Department of Justice, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The inquiry examines whether Corey Lewandowski, who served as a special government employee alongside Kristi Noem, may have been involved in the mishandling of government contracts during Noem’s 14 months leading the agency.
The outlet reported that investigators have found evidence suggesting Lewandowski personally signed certain contracts or had knowledge of approvals. It was unusual for a person who wasn’t even a full-time federal government official. The extent of his involvement in the contracting process astounded DHS staff who reviewed the records.
New Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and White House officials have received briefings on the investigation, according to the Journal’s sources. Mullin, who assumed the role after Trump ousted Noem in March, and his team are cooperating fully.
A representative for Lewandowski denied he signed off on contracts. They also claimed that no one had contacted him regarding the ongoing investigation. The White House and DHS have not made an official comment. The probe is being led by the DHS inspector general, Joseph Cuffar.
This is not the first time Kristi Noem and her alleged lover, Corey Lewandowski, have faced questions over their time at the department. In April, Representative Robert Garcia launched an inquiry into five firms. They allegedly won “favourable treatment” and hundreds of millions in DHS funds under Noem and Lewandowski. Lewandowski denied any business ties to those companies.
Both Noem and Lewandowski have spouses. Yet their alleged affair has been claimed as the “worst-kept secret” in the capital.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
