Corey Lewandowski, a former political adviser to President Donald Trump and a top aide at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is under criminal investigation over allegations that he profited off his role in the U.S. government, three U.S. officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Source: Reuters
The investigation was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which quoted Lewandowski's lawyer as saying his client denies all allegations of wrongdoing, Reuters reported. A lawyer for Lewandowski, Adam Trigg, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The allegations are under investigation and are not findings of guilt.
How the probe began, according to the sources
The probe began with a criminal referral to the Justice Department from the internal watchdog at DHS, according to the four people who spoke to Reuters. The DHS Inspector General's Office has been investigating Lewandowski's involvement in the handling of certain government contracts, according to one of the people, a DHS official, Reuters reported.
The Justice Department has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands in the criminal investigation, according to one of the people, Reuters reported. All four people spoke on condition of anonymity.
Confirmed by Reuters' sources: a criminal investigation exists and began with a DHS inspector-general referral concerning certain government contracts. Alleged, and denied by Lewandowski through his lawyer: that he profited from his DHS role. No subpoenas have been reported so far.
Asked about media reports on the investigation, President Trump told reporters he did not know the specifics, but said, 'I want my people to be honest,' Reuters reported. 'And if they're not honest, I'll have my DOJ go and do whatever they have to do,' Trump added, according to Reuters.
Reuters noted that the Justice Department under Trump has investigated several prominent critics of the president, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, but that investigations of people close to Trump have been rare.