House Democrats are taking a closer look at Corey Lewandowski, a special government employee at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), amid accusations of mismanagement and corruption. Lewandowski's role as a de-facto advisor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has raised concerns, particularly regarding his influence over contract approvals and the implementation of a new $100,000 approval policy.
In a letter to the DHS Office of Inspector General, Representatives Robert Garcia, Rick Larsen, and Bennie G. Thompson demand an investigation into Lewandowski's activities. They argue that his extended tenure as a special government employee, surpassing the 130-day limit, poses a risk of mismanagement and self-dealing. The lawmakers also call for the rescission of the $100,000 approval policy, suggesting a return to the previous approval threshold.
The Democrats' concerns are further fueled by reporting from The Wall Street Journal, which alleges that Lewandowski influenced Noem to favor newer contracts over long-term ones. This shift allegedly created challenges for grant applicants. The Democrats highlight a specific incident where Noem fast-tracked over $11 million for a pier rebuild in Naples, Florida, after being contacted by a major financial donor, while other communities faced delays in receiving disaster aid.
This investigation comes on the heels of Garcia's previous request for an investigation into Lewandowski's financial disclosures by the Office of Government Ethics. Garcia argues that Lewandowski meets the criteria to be a public filer, suggesting potential conflicts of interest. The Democrats' scrutiny of Lewandowski's role at DHS extends to his handling of classified materials and private communications, with a deadline set for April 1 to preserve relevant documents.
The Democrats' actions reflect a broader push for reform at the DHS, which remains shuttered due to a partial government shutdown over immigration enforcement concerns. This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges within the DHS, raising questions about accountability and transparency in government operations.
