Justice Department Opens Criminal Probe Into Corey Lewandowski

The U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski, a close ally of President Donald Trump and former senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, over allegations that he improperly profited from his government role, according to two officials familiar with the matter.

The investigation followed a referral from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general, the officials said. Authorities have not publicly identified the specific actions under scrutiny, leaving the precise scope of the inquiry unclear.

The case represents one of the relatively rare investigations into potential wrongdoing by a Trump ally or appointee during his second term, according to the source report. Lewandowski previously served as Trump's first campaign manager a decade ago and worked closely with Kristi Noem, the former homeland security secretary.

Trump addressed the investigation while speaking to reporters at the White House late Thursday. He acknowledged hearing about the inquiry but said he lacked details about the allegations against Lewandowski.

The president did not publicly defend his longtime ally. Instead, he emphasized that allegations involving the misuse of public money should be treated as a serious matter and that those responsible should face prosecution.

"I want my people to be honest, and if they are not going to be honest they have to be prosecuted," Trump said. "If people are not honest, they're stealing from me."

Trump also said that any individuals found to have acted dishonestly would be dealt with by the Justice Department, which he referred to as "my D.O.J."

His remarks came as federal authorities examine allegations involving Lewandowski's work as an adviser to Homeland Security. The officials who described the investigation did not specify what conduct may have prompted the inspector general's referral or whether investigators had reached any conclusions.

Lewandowski's lawyer, Adam Trigg, rejected allegations of misconduct and said the Justice Department had not contacted his client about an investigation.

"Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity," Trigg said in a statement.

The investigation remains at an early stage based on the information provided by the officials. The available account does not identify any charges against Lewandowski or establish that he committed a crime.