News
DHS · Government Contracts · Investigation · Regulatory Risk
A federal watchdog is investigating hundreds of millions of dollars in Department of Homeland Security contracts approved under former Secretary Kristi Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski, facing extensive obstruction in its oversight attempts.
The DHS Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) probe includes no-bid pacts for a $220 million ad campaign starring Noem, with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) stating Corey Lewandowski "had his hands in a lot." Investigators faced "systematic obstruction," and sources reported Noem attempted to fire Inspector General Joseph Cuffari. Noem's personal sign-off was required for contracts over $100,000, delaying some disaster relief.
Madison Sheahan, a Lewandowski ally, and Kara Voorhies, a former senior adviser to Noem, are also under scrutiny. Noem was fired by President Trump after congressional hearings where she was pressed on the ad campaign, which included $20,000 for horse rentals and $3,781 for hair and makeup for a Mount Rushmore shoot, as reported by Senate Democrats.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) claimed Lewandowski used his position for a "pay-to-play scheme." Noem and Lewandowski deny wrongdoing.
