The Administration · Out the door
Former top adviser to the Homeland Security secretary Out the door
Trump's first 2016 campaign manager, who served as Kristi Noem's unpaid top aide at Homeland Security, left with her in March 2026 and is now reported to be under Justice Department investigation.
Why they left: He left the department in March 2026 when Trump removed Kristi Noem as secretary; CBS News and ABC News describe both as having been ousted. 2 3 Now: ABC News and CBS News reported on October 22, 2026 that the Justice Department is investigating whether he profited from his department role; he has not been charged and his lawyer says he has not been contacted and denies wrongdoing. 2 3
Corey Lewandowski was born in Lowell, Massachusetts. He worked as a congressional aide and for the conservative group Americans for Prosperity before Trump hired him in January 2015 to manage his first presidential campaign; he left that job in June 2016. 1 He stayed in Trump's circle as a commentator, consultant and adviser to the 2020 and 2024 campaigns. 1 2
In 2025 he joined the Department of Homeland Security as an unpaid special government employee advising Secretary Kristi Noem. 1 3 Reports said he effectively acted as her chief of staff, with a hand in staffing and contracts. 2 3 He and Noem both left in March 2026. A State Department official told Reuters he would not join that department in any capacity, although he traveled with Noem on her first trip as envoy. 4
In October 2026 the department's inspector general referred his conduct to the Justice Department, which opened an inquiry that ABC News described as being in its early stages. 3
What happened while Corey held the post.
Accompanied Noem on an immigration raid and introduced himself to agents as chief of staff; the department later described him as an adviser and special government employee. 1
Dismissed acting FEMA chief Cameron Hamilton, according to Wikipedia's account, a day after Hamilton told Congress he opposed eliminating the agency. 1
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was reporting to Lewandowski on interior immigration enforcement, according to Wikipedia's account of an internal email. 1
What critics, courts or investigators have said, and the answer given. An allegation is not a finding.
The Justice Department is examining Homeland Security contracts from the first year of the term and Lewandowski's role, after a referral from Inspector General Joseph Cuffari; the Wall Street Journal first reported it. One source told CBS News the allegations of personal profit relate to contracts set up under Noem. 2 3
Their side: His attorney, Adam Trigg, said Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies any wrongdoing in what was voluntary service. Trump said he did not know the details and that officials who are dishonest should be prosecuted. 2 3
Bill Stepien, who ran Trump's 2020 campaign, said on CNN that recent headlines about Kimberly Guilfoyle and other allegations have given Democrats an opening. It is a rare warning from inside Trump's circle 10 days before the Nov. 3 election.
The Justice Department is reportedly examining whether Kristi Noem's former top adviser used his Homeland Security position for personal profit. Lewandowski denies wrongdoing and has not been charged.
File checked Nov. 13, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell the desk.
