A major political storm has erupted in Washington as former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her close adviser Corey Lewandowski face a sweeping criminal investigation over controversial government contracts worth billions of dollars.
The probe, launched by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, is examining the awarding of no-bid contracts and alleged irregularities tied to Noem’s leadership. According to senior DHS sources, dozens of officials—including members of Noem’s inner circle—have been ordered to preserve all communications, including emails, messages, and phone records.
Officials describe the investigation as “wide-ranging,” extending far beyond a controversial $220 million advertising campaign that helped trigger the scrutiny. The campaign, which featured Noem riding a horse alongside a herd of bison at Mount Rushmore, drew widespread criticism over its cost and messaging.
“This is long overdue and much needed,” one senior DHS official said. “There has been too much shady activity under their watch.”
Although the investigation is still ongoing and no formal criminal charges have been filed, sources say that if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered, the case could be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for prosecution.
The controversy deepened amid allegations that Lewandowski, a former special government employee, may have solicited so-called “pay-to-play” fees from contractors seeking to secure or expand government deals. Insiders reportedly referred to the practice as the “Lewandowski tax.” Lewandowski has strongly denied the claims, dismissing them as “fake news.”
Sources within DHS claim that Noem and Lewandowski maintained tight control over the approval of major contracts, particularly those involving six-figure sums. This centralized authority reportedly led to significant delays in key projects, including FEMA disaster relief efforts and construction linked to the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Critics argue that this control may have allowed the pair to bypass standard oversight procedures, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in federal contracting.
The investigation comes at a time of significant leadership changes. Markwayne Mullin was recently sworn in as the new Homeland Security Secretary, replacing Noem. Meanwhile, several of Noem’s top aides—including deputy chiefs of staff—have moved with her to the State Department, where she has taken on a new role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
Some of those aides are now reportedly included in the ongoing probe.
The DHS Inspector General’s Office, led by Joseph Cuffari, is responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and misconduct within the department. Cuffari has previously told lawmakers that Noem “systematically obstructed” multiple investigations during her tenure.
A senior administration official also claimed that Lewandowski had attempted to have Cuffari removed from his position on several occasions before leaving DHS.
The White House, DHS, and Noem have not yet issued formal responses to the latest developments.
As investigators continue to examine the contracts and decision-making processes under Noem’s leadership, the case is expected to remain under intense public and political scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
English (United States) ·