Lewandowski Faces Probe Into DHS Contracts

Corey Lewandowski is back under federal investigation. Justice Department prosecutors are examining allegations of contracting abuses in the Department of Homeland Security, including the actions of Lewandowski while he informally served as chief of staff to then-Secretary Kristi Noem, CNN reports. The inquiry stems from a criminal referral sent by the DHS inspector general, who has been scrutinizing how contracts were handled during their tenure. Lewandowski's attorney said his client hasn't been contacted by prosecutors and denies any wrongdoing.

The referral is among the first in a Trump administration that has avoided investigating its own, even as lawmakers and others accuse the Justice Department of targeting Trump's political adversaries instead. Lewandowski seemed to be using his influence while at DHS for personal financial gain, per the Wall Street Journal, including by seeking jobs with Middle East nations to help them with matters including securing visas. Prosecutors are reportedly awaiting the inspector general's findings. Asked about the investigation, President Trump on Thursday said, "All I know is, I want my people to be honest, and if they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted."