Lewandowski's DHS Influence Sparks Misconduct Probes

Corey Lewandowski, a longtime adviser to President Donald Trump, exerted significant influence over operations at the Department of Homeland Security last year, far beyond his official role as an unpaid special government employee, according to multiple current and former officials. His actions, which included shaping personnel decisions and contract approvals under then-Secretary Kristi Noem, have sparked allegations of misconduct and prompted investigations as Noem prepares to leave her post on March 31 following her dismissal earlier this month.

Lewandowski joined DHS in early 2025 in a limited advisory capacity to Noem, but officials familiar with the matter described him as effectively functioning as her chief of staff. He hosted meetings in her office without her presence, questioned agency leaders on enforcement efforts tied to Trump's mass deportation initiative, and issued directives on daily arrest quotas for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. When targets were not met, he reportedly berated supervisors, contributing to a climate of fear among staff who worried about job repercussions. In one instance, three officials said he helped promote a midlevel...