Records Contradict Noem Testimony to Congress That Lewandowski Has No Role in Multi-Million DHS Contract Approvals: Report

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Congress on Tuesday that her adviser Corey Lewandowski does not play a role in approving contracts at DHS, but internal agency records reviewed by ProPublica indicate he has signed off on major spending decisions.

During the first day of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Noem, Sen. Richard Blumenthal's asked:

Blumenthal: Madame Secretary, does Corey Lewandowski have a role in approving contracts and if so what is that role?
Noem: His role is a special govt employee, um, and special govt employees work for the White House
Blumenthal: So he does have a role
Noem: No

However, documents examined by ProPublica and published on Wednesday show Lewandowski approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract at the agency last summer. While current and former DHS officials told the outlet that Lewandowski has signed off on numerous contracts and often must review large agreements before funds are released.

The records relate to a policy implemented by Noem last year that centralized oversight of spending across the department. Under the directive, contracts valued above $100,000 must move through a series of political appointees before reaching the secretary. Officials said Lewandowski's signature typically appears near the end of that review chain, immediately before Noem's approval.

Lewandowski holds the designation of "special government employee," a role often used for temporary advisers who are allowed to maintain outside employment and are subject to fewer ethics rules than full-time officials. He does not receive a government salary, according to DHS.

The department disputed the reporting through a statement to ProPublica:

"Mr. Lewandowski does NOT play a role in approving contracts. Mr. Lewandowski does not receive a salary or any federal government benefits. He volunteers his time to serve the American people"

Lewandowski did not respond to requests for comment.

His involvement in DHS contracting decisions has been reported previously. Back in August, Politico reported that Lewandowski served as the final reviewer for many contracts above $100,000 before they reached Noem's desk. Officials cited by the outlet said his role contributed to delays in approving spending, particularly within FEMA.

Officials cited by Politico said the requirement that contracts above $100,000 pass through multiple political appointees — including Lewandowski — has slowed approvals and affected operations across agencies such as FEMA, ICE and TSA.

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokesperson at the time, called reporting by the outlet "False" adding that Noem "personally reviews any contract above $100,000," a process she said has saved "U.S. taxpayers an additional $10.7 billion" by rejecting contracts she sees as contributing to "waste, fraud and abuse."