T-Mobile paying ex-Trump manager Corey Lewandowski to help lobby the administration

Former campaign manager for President Donald Trump, Corey Lewandowski, is consulting with T-Mobile in an effort to help gain the approval of the federal government, so that the phone company can merge with Sprint, reported the Wall Street Journal.

Since 2014, T-Mobile has tried to take over Sprint, according to Vox. The company was denied by both the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Communications Commission. Both departments cited that merging the two companies would create less competition and increase prices, therefore it wouldn't benefit the customer.

In August, T-Mobile hired a lobbying company Turnberry Solutions that Lewandowski is tied to.

T-Mobile said in a statement: “Corey Lewandowski is now affiliated with that firm and they have offered perspective to T-Mobile on a variety of topics, including the pending transaction."

In the past, Lewandowski has denied claims that he worked with Turnberry Solutions, and the nature of his work is vague. A source familiar with Lewandowski said that he receives a portion of the fees paid for by the T-Mobile contract.

Turnberry Solutions’ did not register T-Mobile as a client until Jan 23, even though the contract began Aug 1.

By law lobbying firms are supposed to register a new client within 45 Day, or face a fine up to $50,000.

Turnberry Solutions and Lewandowski did not reply to a request for comment.