The Justice Department is investigating allegations of improper contracting practices at the Department of Homeland Security, including potential kickbacks and the involvement of Corey Lewandowski, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump who served as a senior adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The investigation follows a criminal referral from the DHS inspector general’s office, which has been examining contracts awarded during Noem’s leadership. Investigators have reportedly been awaiting the results of the inspector general’s inquiry, and it remains unclear which U.S. attorney’s office is leading the federal investigation.

Lewandowski’s attorney, Adam Trigg, said his client had not been contacted by the Justice Department and denied any wrongdoing during his time at the agency.

“Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity,” Trigg said.

According to sources familiar with the matter, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told officials in her Washington, D.C., office in recent months that she wanted investigators to examine allegations of kickbacks involving DHS contracts. The Justice Department has declined to comment publicly on the investigation.

Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager and veteran Republican strategist, became one of Noem’s closest advisers after Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. He initially joined DHS as a special government employee, a temporary federal designation, but reportedly took on responsibilities similar to those of a chief of staff.

Several department officials described his arrangement as unusual, saying he exercised significant influence despite his temporary employment status. Lewandowski was also viewed by some officials as a gatekeeper to Noem. He left the department after Trump removed Noem from her position earlier this year.

The investigation comes amid scrutiny of Noem’s management of DHS spending, particularly a $220 million advertising campaign that prominently featured the former secretary. The campaign became a source of controversy before her removal, especially after Noem said Trump knew about the spending.

Noem also instituted a policy requiring her personal approval for every DHS contract exceeding $100,000. She defended the measure as a way to eliminate wasteful spending, while some department officials questioned whether the requirement was necessary.

Oversight concerns had also surfaced earlier this year. DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari complained to Congress in early March that department leadership had obstructed parts of his oversight work.

The federal investigation has not resulted in publicly announced charges against Lewandowski, and the allegations remain under investigation.