Sources: DOJ investigating Trump ally Corey Lewandowski’s role at DHS over financial-gain allegations
Lewandowski denies wrongdoing
Lewandowski has not been charged with a crime and has denied wrongdoing. The Justice Department declined to comment, while CBS News sought comment from DHS. Asked Thursday about the reported inquiry, Trump said he had only just heard of it and had not received a briefing from Attorney General Todd Blanche. He said, “I want my people to be honest, and if they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted.”
Trump calls for accountability
Trump also said, “If he's honest that's good. If he's not honest, you have to pay a price.” His remarks did not indicate whether he knew further details about the inquiry.
The reported investigation comes amid scrutiny of DHS financial oversight during Noem’s tenure. She required her personal written approval for contracts, grants and funding obligations exceeding $100,000.
Approval policy caused delays
Noem intended the approval requirement to strengthen oversight, but some officials said it produced significant backlogs. They described delays affecting funding they considered essential, including disaster relief. The article does not say whether the policy or any particular funding decision is connected to the allegations under investigation.
Key points
- The Justice Department is examining allegations that Lewandowski used his DHS position for financial gain.
- Lewandowski has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.
- Trump said he had not been briefed and called for prosecution if his people were dishonest.
- Some officials said Noem’s approval rules caused delays in essential funding, including disaster relief.