Corey Lewandowski, a former political adviser to President Donald Trump and former top aide at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is under criminal investigation for allegedly profiting from his government role. Three U.S. officials and another person familiar with the matter reported on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, that the probe originated from a criminal referral to the Justice Department by the DHS Inspector General’s Office.
The investigation focuses on Lewandowski’s tenure as a top aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem was dismissed by President Trump in March 2026 following several events, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and questions from lawmakers regarding a $220 million advertising contract promoting Noem that was awarded without a standard bidding process.
According to a DHS official, investigators are examining Lewandowski’s involvement in signing certain government contracts despite questions regarding his legal authority while serving as a special government employee. Two DHS officials stated that Lewandowski directed that specific grants and contracts, including those involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), be placed on hold.
Adam Trigg, a lawyer for Lewandowski, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the Wall Street Journal reported that Lewandowski's lawyer said his client denies all allegations of wrongdoing. The Justice Department has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands in connection with the case. When asked about the reports, President Trump told reporters he did not know the specifics but stated, "I want my people to be honest," and said his DOJ would take necessary action if they were not.
For ordinary citizens, the concrete day-to-day change is not yet visible, as the Justice Department has not issued formal legal demands or subpoenas. However, the investigation of a close ally of the sitting president is rare within this administration. Previous Justice Department investigations under the Trump administration have targeted critics such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, while the department has moved to dismiss some cases against allies, such as those charged in the January 6 Capitol attack.
What happens next depends on the Justice Department's review of the criminal referral. No specific court dates, deadlines, or timelines for future legal filings have been reported. As of Oct. 23, 2026, the investigation remains in an early stage without formal subpoenas issued. Relatedly, President Trump has been ordered by a judge to sit for a deposition in a separate $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC by Dec. 11, 2026.