Corey Lewandowski, a close adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has been central to the management of DHS resources, particularly regarding contract approvals and spending decisions. Noem implemented a policy requiring her approval for all department spending over $100,000, but sources indicate Lewandowski often took the lead in this process. This has raised concerns within the White House and DHS due to Lewandowski's ongoing business interests in the private sector. For example, a contract for bulk steel for the border wall was delayed on Noem's desk, causing the price to increase by over $100 million before it was signed.
Lewandowski's influence extended to the border wall project, a key immigration priority, which received a $46.5 billion congressional infusion in 2025. Commissioner Rodney Scott of U.S. Customs and Border Protection told administration officials that both Noem and Lewandowski mismanaged its construction. Lewandowski's role is further underscored by internal DHS records showing he personally approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract and numerous other large deals. He often appeared as the final approver on internal routing sheets before Noem herself, signing off as "chief adviser to S1.
Concerns about Lewandowski's conduct include allegations from contractors that he sought payments for protecting and growing their DHS contracts. The CEO of GEO Group, a private prison company with over $1 billion in annual federal contracts, claimed Lewandowski asked for compensation based on new or renewed contracts. While Lewandowski denied these allegations, other government contractors have complained that he stood to personally profit from the DHS contracting process. One marketing firm was allegedly told a $40-$50 million contract would be split, with $20 million for them and the remainder directed to a consulting company tied to Lewandowski.
Adding to the controversy, Noem and Lewandowski have reportedly been using a leased luxury 737 MAX jet, which DHS is in the process of acquiring for approximately $70 million. This comes as Lewandowski, despite starting in a limited, part-time role, built a broad portfolio influencing personnel, contracts, and operations, including berating ICE leaders for not meeting arrest quotas. Both Lewandowski and Noem expressed skepticism about major detention contractors like GEO Group and CoreCivic, with Lewandowski specifically objecting to GEO Group's pricing.
