Hassan Warns Lewandowski to Preserve Records Ahead of Probe
Maggie Hassan, the incoming chair of the Senate panel overseeing homeland security and government affairs, has urged Corey Lewandowski, a former adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, to retain records related to his time at the agency. In a letter, Hassan said the committee would use its investigative powers, including compulsory measures if necessary, and said she wanted to speak with him under oath.
Lewandowski served as an adviser to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and was described by sources as a de facto chief of staff. Democrats have raised concerns about his influence over agency operations and contracting. Allegations include that he sought payments from contractors in return for helping them secure or expand government work. Lewandowski has denied wrongdoing.
The Justice Department is investigating DHS contracting during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term and scrutinizing Lewandowski, according to sources familiar with the matter. The inquiry is in its early stages and followed a referral from DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari. Lewandowski’s lawyer has said he had not been contacted by the department about an investigation.
Lewandowski’s lawyers previously said he had no legal duty to comply with a similar request from Hassan while Democrats were in the Senate minority. With Democrats set to take control of Congress next year, the committee will have greater power to seek documents and testimony. Hassan said she wants to understand how any requested records might have become unavailable.
Democrats Put Lewandowski on Notice Over DHS Contracting Claims
Corey Lewandowski’s influence inside the Department of Homeland Security and allegations involving contractors are now facing scrutiny from Democrats poised to lead a key Senate committee. Incoming chair Maggie Hassan has told the former adviser to preserve relevant records and signaled she is prepared to use the committee’s full investigative authority, including compulsory process.
The stakes are public money and trust in federal contracting. Allegations include that Lewandowski sought payments from contractors in exchange for helping them win or grow DHS business. Hassan has warned that pay-to-play conduct, if established, costs taxpayers. Lewandowski denies wrongdoing, but his denial does not resolve the questions surrounding his role.
The Justice Department is also investigating DHS contracting during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term and scrutinizing Lewandowski. The inquiry is in its early stages and followed a referral from the DHS inspector general. Lewandowski’s lawyer has said he had not been contacted by the department about an investigation.
Lewandowski’s lawyers previously rejected a records request, arguing he had no legal obligation to comply. Democrats will have greater powers when they take control of Congress next year, including the ability to seek documents and testimony. Hassan says she wants records preserved and expects an on-the-record conversation under oath.
Lewandowski Faces New Democratic Probe Before Allegations Are Proven
Democrats are preparing a congressional investigation of former DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski, and incoming committee chair Maggie Hassan has put him on notice to preserve records. The allegations are serious, but they remain allegations: Lewandowski denies wrongdoing, and the Justice Department inquiry is still in its early stages.
Hassan says her committee will use its powers, including compulsory process, and wants Lewandowski to answer questions under oath. His lawyers previously said he had no legal obligation to comply with an earlier records request made while Democrats were in the minority. The new majority will have greater power to demand documents and testimony next year.
The dispute centers partly on claims that Lewandowski sought payments from contractors in exchange for helping them secure or expand DHS contracts. The Justice Department is examining agency contracting during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, and Lewandowski is under scrutiny. The inquiry followed a referral from the DHS inspector general; his lawyer has said Lewandowski had not been contacted by the department about an investigation.
Congress has a role in oversight, but a demand for records and an investigation are not proof of misconduct. The coming inquiry should establish what happened, while giving Lewandowski’s denials and the evidence a fair hearing.
Reported by The Daily Beast, ABC News.
