DHS Senior Adviser (special government employee) Department of Homeland Security
American Loyalty State

Corey Lewandowski

Top DHS adviser under Noem, classified as unpaid 'special government employee' while maintaining undisclosed outside income. ProPublica records show he personally approved DHS contracts worth hundreds of millions — directly contradicting Noem's sworn congressional testimony. Brought Ben Yoho into Noem's orbit, creating the patronage chain behind the $220M Safe America Media scandal. Rumored romantic relationship with Noem; she refused to deny it under oath.

The Invisible Hand

Corey Lewandowski served as Trump’s 2016 campaign manager and has maintained proximity to Trump-world power ever since. At DHS under Noem, he occupied the maximally dangerous position: unpaid “special government employee” with contract approval authority and undisclosed outside clients.

His signature typically appeared last on DHS contract approval checklists before Noem’s sign-off. Under Noem’s 2025 policy requiring her personal approval of all DHS contracts over $100,000, Lewandowski functioned as the de facto gateway.

The Contradiction Under Oath

On March 3, 2026, Sen. Richard Blumenthal asked Noem whether Lewandowski had “a role in approving contracts” at DHS. Noem answered: “No.”

ProPublica subsequently reported this was false. Internal DHS records show Lewandowski personally approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract. Current and former DHS employees confirmed he routinely signs off on large contracts before money is released.

The Patronage Chain

Lewandowski brought Ben Yoho (CEO of The Strategy Group) into Noem’s inner circle. He also worked with Jay Connaughton (People Who Think LLC) on Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s Republican gubernatorial campaign. Both firms received DHS contracts totaling $220M+.

Open Questions

  • What are Lewandowski’s outside income sources while serving as unpaid DHS adviser?
  • Did any of his paying clients benefit from DHS contracts he approved?
  • His SF-278 financial disclosure (if filed — special government employees may have different requirements) has not been publicly reported.

Sources