Criminal Investigation Launched into DHS No-Bid Contracts Under Noem
A sweeping criminal investigation has been initiated by the Homeland Security Inspector General, focusing on the awarding of billions of dollars in no-bid contracts during Kristi Noem's tenure as Secretary. Senior DHS sources have confirmed to the Daily Mail that dozens of individuals, including Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski, have received formal notices to preserve all communications related to these contracts.
Preservation Orders Issued Amid Allegations of Shady Practices
The investigation, described as "wide-ranging" by insiders, requires current and former employees to retain documents, text messages, emails, and phone records. One senior DHS official remarked, "It's long overdue and much needed. There has been too much shady stuff done under their watch." This probe extends beyond a controversial $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore, delving into a broad spectrum of contracts personally approved by her office.
Lewandowski's Alleged 'Pay to Play' Tactics Under Scrutiny
Sources reveal that some DHS contractors informed White House officials of Lewandowski allegedly soliciting 'pay to play' fees, colloquially termed 'the Lewandowski tax,' to secure or expand contracts. Lewandowski, a former special government employee, has denied any wrongdoing. The investigation is ongoing, with no crimes yet alleged, but if criminal activity is found, the case could be referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution.
Control Over Contracts Created Backlogs and Circumvented Oversight
Noem and Lewandowski maintained exclusive control over all six-figure contract approvals, leading to months-long backlogs that delayed critical projects, including FEMA disaster relief and construction of Trump's border wall. DHS sources indicate this centralized authority allowed the pair to bypass standard oversight procedures, raising concerns about influence peddling and conflicts of interest.
Inspector General's History of Obstruction and Political Tensions
The DHS Office of Inspector General, led by Joseph Cuffari, is spearheading the investigation. Cuffari has previously told lawmakers that Noem "systematically obstructed" eleven of his prior investigations. Additionally, a senior administration official noted that Lewandowski attempted multiple times to have Cuffari fired before leaving DHS. The probe coincides with Markwayne Mullin's swearing-in as the new Homeland Security Secretary, replacing Noem.
Fallout and Staff Transfers Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
Following Noem's departure, ten of her closest advisers, including three deputy chiefs of staff, left Homeland Security to join the State Department, where she now serves as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. Noem personally selected these staffers, some of whom are now implicated in the Inspector General's criminal probe. The DHS contracting process remains under intense public scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
