DHS Inspector General Launches Investigation into Contract Handling Under Kristi Noem
The Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog, the Office of Inspector General, has initiated a formal investigation into how contracts were solicited and managed during the tenure of former Secretary Kristi Noem. This probe includes scrutiny of the involvement of her de facto chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski, according to sources who spoke to CNN.
Scope of the Inquiry and Previous Obstruction Allegations
The investigation is reportedly examining contracting policies under Noem that have drawn criticism from lawmakers. Key areas of focus include her policy requiring personal sign-off on any contract valued at $100,000 or more, the awarding of a $220 million advertising campaign, and whether Lewandowski played any role in approving contracts. This inquiry is separate from a congressionally-mandated audit of DHS grants and contracts awarded without full and open competition in fiscal year 2025.
The announcement follows a letter from Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to Congress, accusing Noem of "systematically" obstructing investigations into allegations. A spokesperson for the DHS Inspector General's Office stated they adhere to a policy of neither confirming nor denying specific investigations and do not provide details on ongoing projects.
Congressional Scrutiny and Contract Controversies
Prior to her dismissal by President Donald Trump, Noem faced intense questioning from Congress over her handling of contracts, particularly regarding the $220 million ad campaign that prominently featured her. Lawmakers expressed concerns about reports that a company linked to Noem's spokesperson secured a lucrative government contract.
This controversy is part of a broader pattern of issues with DHS contracts and grants under Noem's leadership. Last year, reports emerged that she delayed necessary FEMA funding by insisting on direct approval for contracts exceeding $100,000, a threshold most DHS contracts surpass. Some news outlets claimed Noem delegated some of this authority to Lewandowski, a former special government employee without an official role in the administration.
Denials and Further Allegations
Adam Trigg, Lewandowski's lawyer, has denied allegations that his client was involved in contract review, approval, or administration. In a statement, Trigg said, "Mr. Lewandowski adamantly denies ever demanding any payment or compensation from any potential, former, or current government contractor—such allegations are not supported by a single piece of evidence."
After Noem's removal, NBC News reported that some department contractors were asked to pay Lewandowski in exchange for influencing government contracts. Congressional Democrats have also launched their own investigations into Noem, Lewandowski's role, and the companies that received contracts.
Both Noem and Lewandowski have strongly denied suggestions of an affair, with Noem previously dismissing the rumors as "tabloid garbage" during a House hearing and calling the accusations a "disgusting lie." The controversies over contract handling are cited as one reason Trump replaced Noem with former Senator Markwayne Mullin.
