Lewandowski pitched himself to Qatari and UAE officials while he was Kristi Noem’s personal aide: report

Key Points:

• Corey Lewandowski, a top aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, allegedly attempted to make side deals with foreign governments and exerted significant influence over federal contracts and staffing within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to a Wall Street Journal report.
• Lewandowski reportedly acted as a "shadow secretary," attending most department meetings and influencing the allocation of DHS funds, including involvement in a controversial contract negotiation with software firm Palantir, which was ultimately scaled back after a canceled meeting with its CEO.
• Allegations include Lewandowski approaching officials in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to offer his services for DHS-related matters, though both countries reportedly declined and were puzzled by the overtures.
• DHS investigators are examining claims of improper contract allocations and placements of allies, such as FEMA contractor Kara Voorhies, who earned up to $19,000 weekly; a criminal referral to the Department of Justice is being considered, and House Democrats are preparing their own investigation.
• Lewandowski has denied all wrongdoing, criticizing the report as politically motivated and based on anonymous sources, asserting confidence that facts will ultimately vindicate him.