Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski now face a wide-ranging criminal investigation into billions of dollars in questionable no-bid contracts awarded on your dime—raising serious questions about cronyism and accountability in an administration that promised to drain the swamp.
Story Snapshot
- Homeland Security Inspector General launches criminal probe into Noem and Lewandowski over no-bid contracts worth billions in taxpayer funds
- Controversial $226,137 Mount Rushmore ad featuring Noem on horseback sparks public outrage and insider whistleblowing
- Federal records contradict Noem’s congressional testimony, showing Lewandowski approved multi-million dollar contracts despite her denials
- Trump fired Noem after bipartisan hearings exposed $200 million ad campaign funneling $143 million to her spokesperson’s husband’s firm
- Investigation could lead to DOJ referrals and potential perjury charges as Democrats push for accountability
Inspector General Launches Sweeping Criminal Probe
The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General initiated a comprehensive criminal investigation into former Secretary Kristi Noem and senior adviser Corey Lewandowski following insider reports of widespread procurement abuses. The probe, confirmed March 25, 2026, targets billions in no-bid contracts awarded during Noem’s tenure, which ended March 31, 2026. Investigators sent notices to Noem’s inner circle and former DHS employees, examining how contracts bypassed competitive bidding requirements. A DHS official characterized the investigation as “long overdue” due to “too much shady stuff” occurring under Noem’s watch. While no formal crimes have been alleged yet, the Inspector General retains authority to refer findings to the Department of Justice if evidence of wrongdoing emerges.
Mount Rushmore Ad Scandal Exposes Wasteful Spending
Public outrage erupted over a $226,137 taxpayer-funded advertisement featuring Noem riding horseback at Mount Rushmore, which included a $60,000 signing bonus for the former secretary. This promotional piece formed part of a broader $200 million advertising campaign, with $143 million routed to American Made Media Company—a firm owned by the husband of Noem’s spokesperson. The rushed contracts circumvented normal procurement procedures, with some deals requiring Noem’s approval for amounts exceeding $100,000. These expenditures occurred while hardworking Americans struggled with inflation and high energy costs stemming from years of fiscal mismanagement. The investigation scrutinizes whether these contracts served legitimate government purposes or primarily promoted political figures using public resources.
Contradictory Testimony Raises Perjury Concerns
Federal records obtained by Politico, The Wall Street Journal, and ProPublica directly contradict sworn testimony Noem provided during bipartisan congressional hearings. Senator Richard Blumenthal confronted Noem with documents showing Lewandowski’s initials on contract approval checklists before her own signature, despite her explicit denial under oath that he influenced contracting decisions. Lewandowski, serving as an unpaid “special government employee,” wielded substantial authority over multi-million dollar deals, including a rushed $250,000 contract to American Made Media Company. Blumenthal sent a formal letter stating “Evidence suggests your testimony was false,” highlighting that providing false statements to Congress constitutes a federal crime. The discrepancies fuel Democratic calls for perjury investigations and potential impeachment proceedings that could bar Noem from future federal office.
Trump fired Noem during the week congressional hearings exposed these contracting irregularities, claiming he “never knew anything about it” beforehand. The timing suggests mounting political pressure forced the administration’s hand as evidence mounted against the former governor. Lewandowski and Noem have denied wrongdoing and disputed rumors of an alleged affair that raised additional ethical concerns about his advisory role. However, their denials ring hollow against documented evidence showing systematic circumvention of procurement safeguards designed to protect taxpayer interests. The investigation continues to expand, examining how billions in contracts were awarded without competitive bidding processes that ensure value and prevent corruption.
Broader Implications for Government Accountability
This scandal erodes conservative principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility that formed the bedrock of Trump’s 2024 campaign promises. Taxpayers rightfully expect their elected officials to exercise careful stewardship over public funds, not channel billions through sweetheart deals to political allies and personal associates. The investigation highlights systemic failures in federal procurement oversight that allow well-connected insiders to exploit loopholes for personal benefit. If prosecutions result, they could establish important precedents for holding government officials accountable when they abuse contracting authority. Beyond individual consequences, the probe may trigger broader reforms in federal contracting procedures to prevent future abuses and restore public confidence in how Washington spends your hard-earned tax dollars.
Sources:
Kristi Noem perjury probe sought over Corey Lewandowski testimony at DHS hearings – The Independent
