The Justice Department’s investigation into longtime Trump ally Corey Lewandowski marks an “unusual” move for an administration reluctant to scrutinize the president’s inner circle, CNN reported Thursday.
CNN’s Evan Perez reported that the investigation followed a referral from the DHS inspector general, who had been examining contracting practices during former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure.
Perez told viewers that allegations have been circling Lewandowski for months.
“There have been allegations over the last few months, guys, that Corey Lewandowski was making requests of people who were seeking contracts that they pay kickbacks,” Perez reported.
Lewandowski, who served as Noem’s de facto chief of staff, wielded considerable influence over department operations, including personnel decisions and government contracts.
The allegations were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which also reported that investigators had examined Lewandowski’s involvement in contracting decisions.
“Just the fact that it has gotten this far is unusual for this administration,” Perez said.
“It's been a hesitancy, really, to look at some of the allegations of grift and of fraud that have come forward,” he added.
Perez emphasized that the Justice Department has not publicly accused Lewandowski of wrongdoing.