The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general is investigating Corey Lewandowski's role in federal contracting decisions during his tenure as senior adviser to former Secretary Kristi Noem. The probe focuses on Lewandowski's interactions with companies seeking Homeland Security contracts, including Palantir, the data analysis firm that provides services to the department.

The investigation follows complaints from multiple companies about their dealings with Lewandowski, who was not a government employee but wielded significant influence over contract decisions. Lewandowski has denied any impropriety, stating that contracting decisions rest with authorized DHS officials. The inquiry also examines the actions of Kara Voorhies, a FEMA contractor who worked closely with Noem and Lewandowski before leaving the agency in mid-March.

Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, who was nominated by President Trump in his first term, is scrutinizing a wide range of activities within the department, which includes immigration enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, and FEMA. The investigation comes as the agency seeks to move forward under new Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who has already begun distancing himself from Noem's tenure by reversing her policy requiring personal review of all contracts over $100,000.