The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski over accusations that he profited from his role as a top adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, according to officials. The inquiry, one of the rare instances in which an ally of President Trump has been investigated, was initiated in response to a referral from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. It was not immediately clear what actions were under investigation.
Late Thursday, Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House that he had heard about the investigation but did not know the details. He did not offer words of support, calling potential theft of public funds a personal affront. "I want my people to be honest, and if they are not going to be honest they have to be prosecuted," he said. A lawyer for Mr. Lewandowski denied any wrongdoing. Mr. Lewandowski, who served as Mr. Trump's first campaign manager a decade ago, joined the department early last year in a limited, part-time role.
He wielded power far beyond his role, serving as Ms. Noem's top aide and confidant, and was reportedly trying to enrich himself. His focus on contracts drew particular attention from top homeland security officials.
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