Noem, Lewandowski Facing IG Probe Over ‘Shady’ Deals: Report
A growing cloud of scrutiny is surrounding former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as reports indicate a sweeping criminal investigation has been launched into the awarding of billions of dollars in no-bid federal contracts during her tenure.
According to reporting from the Daily Mail, the DHS Office of Inspector General—led by Joseph Cuffari—has initiated a “wide-ranging” probe, issuing preservation notices to dozens of current and former officials tied to the contract approval process. Those notices require recipients to retain all communications, including emails, text messages, documents, and phone records.
Individuals within Noem’s inner circle have reportedly been swept into the inquiry, including longtime political operative Corey Lewandowski, who has faced heightened scrutiny in recent weeks. Both Noem and Lewandowski were reportedly removed from their DHS-related roles earlier this month following backlash over a controversial $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign.
“It’s long overdue and much needed,” one senior DHS official familiar with the situation told the Daily Mail. “There has been too much shady stuff done under their watch.”
While the investigation initially focused on the advertising push, sources say it has since expanded to examine a broader portfolio of contracts approved directly through Noem’s office. Importantly, no formal allegations of criminal wrongdoing have been confirmed at this stage, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
Should investigators uncover evidence of criminal conduct, the case could ultimately be referred to the Department of Justice or a U.S. attorney’s office for prosecution. In the meantime, President Donald J. Trump has reassigned Noem to serve as U.S. Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, signaling a shift in leadership at DHS.
Her successor, former Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, was sworn in at the White House this week and is expected to bring a renewed focus on transparency and accountability to the agency’s contracting practices, which have come under increasing scrutiny from both lawmakers and watchdogs.
Among the most serious allegations reported by the Daily Mail are claims from contractors who told White House officials that Lewandowski sought payments in exchange for facilitating or expanding federal contracts—a practice some sources dubbed the “Lewandowski tax.” Lewandowski has firmly denied the accusations, dismissing them as “fake news.”
Sources further allege that Noem and Lewandowski maintained tight personal control over contract approvals, particularly for high-value agreements, requiring direct sign-off on six-figure deals. Critics argue this centralized system may have delayed critical projects—including FEMA disaster relief efforts and construction tied to President Trump’s border wall—while potentially sidestepping standard oversight protocols.
Cuffari, whose office serves as an independent watchdog over DHS, has previously testified before Congress that Noem “systematically obstructed” eleven separate investigations. Reports also indicate Lewandowski unsuccessfully attempted to have Cuffari removed prior to his own departure from DHS.
As the investigation unfolds, the agency is also experiencing a notable personnel shift. Roughly ten of Noem’s close advisers—including multiple deputy chiefs of staff—have recently transitioned to the State Department, where they are expected to assist her in her new diplomatic role. Several of those individuals are reportedly among those now under review by the inspector general.
With billions in taxpayer dollars at stake and questions mounting over transparency, the probe represents a significant test for accountability within one of the federal government’s most critical agencies.