DOJ investigating Corey Lewandowski over alleged profit from DHS role

The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation of Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally and top aide at the Department of Homeland Security, over allegations that he profited from his government role. The New York Times says President Trump has not stepped in to defend him.

Trump said Thursday he has "no idea" why the department is investigating Lewandowski, according to The Hill. He said people who work for him must be honest, and those who are not will face the Justice Department.

Reuters, in a report carried by The Guardian, cited three U.S. officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter. They said the case began with a criminal referral from the DHS inspector general's office. Fox News, NBC News and ABC News also report the referral. CBS News reports that Lewandowski has denied all wrongdoing.

One of Reuters' sources, a DHS official, said the inspector general has been looking at his role in handling certain government contracts. That official also alleged he signed some DHS contracts despite questionable legal authority as a special government employee. Two other sources told Reuters that some grants and contracts, including ones involving FEMA, were put on hold at his direction.

Reuters reports the Justice Department has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands. A lawyer for Lewandowski did not immediately respond to its request for comment. The Guardian notes that, under Trump, the department has pursued several prominent critics of the president, but cases against his close allies have been uncommon.

Lewandowski was a top aide to Kristi Noem when she led DHS. NBC News says she was fired. It also describes him as the first manager of Trump's 2016 campaign.