DHS internal watchdog launches investigation into handling of contracts under Noem, Lewandowski

Key Points:

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) inspector general has launched a broad investigation into contract solicitation and handling, focusing on former Secretary Kristi Noem and her chief of staff Corey Lewandowski's involvement.
• Noem's contract management was a key factor in her removal by President Trump, with Lewandowski's micromanagement causing tension within the White House; the investigation is separate from a previously announced audit of DHS contracts for fiscal year 2025.
• The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has ordered DHS officials to preserve records for the probe, but the specific contracts under investigation remain unclear, and the ongoing audit is paused due to a DHS shutdown furlough.
• Congressional scrutiny has centered on $220 million in advertising contracts promoting DHS's mission, which prominently featured Noem; she defended the spending as effective in encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave but claimed Trump approved it, a claim he denied.
• DHS leadership has obstructed OIG investigations, with multiple instances of denied access to records, prompting commitments from current DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully cooperate with the inspector general.