DHS Secretary Noem Contradicts Records on Aide’s Contract Approval Authority
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem provided a flat denial to a key congressional question on Tuesday, a statement that internal agency records and current and former officials directly contradict. The discrepancy centers on the authority of her top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, to approve millions in government contracts.
The situation involves Lewandowski’s unusual, unpaid position within the sprawling DHS. For months, lawmakers have sought clarity on the scope of his influence. The issue came to a head during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing when Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) asked if Lewandowski has “a role in approving contracts” at DHS. “No,” Secretary Noem replied.
However, an investigation by ProPublica, reviewing internal DHS documents and interviewing four current and former department employees, reveals a different reality. The records show Lewandowski personally signed off on a multimillion-dollar equipment contract last summer. According to those officials, his sign-off is not an anomaly; Lewandowski regularly approves contracts, often serving as the final political appointee review before a contract reaches the Secretary’s desk for final authorization.
Noem Denies That Lewandowski Has “a Role in Approving Contracts” at DHS
This internal process was formalized in a policy change implemented by Noem last year. The directive centralized contracting authority, requiring her personal review and approval for all contracts exceeding $100,000. Before reaching her, contracts must pass through a series of political appointees who initial a checklist—an internal “routing sheet.” DHS officials describe Lewandowski’s signature as typically being the last one on that checklist prior to Noem’s own signature.
This chain of approval extends beyond procurement. A similar checklist related to a 2024 policy change affecting protections for Haitians in the U.S., which became part of court records, shows Lewandowski’s signature alongside other top advisers before the document was sent to Noem for final approval.
Under federal law, knowingly and willfully making a false statement to Congress is a crime, though prosecutions are exceptionally rare. Following the hearing, a DHS spokesperson reiterated the Secretary’s position, stating in an email: “Mr. Lewandowski does NOT play a role in approving contracts. Mr. Lewandowski does not receive a salary or any federal government benefits. He volunteers his time to serve the American people.” Lewandowski did not respond to a request for comment.
The reporting aligns with previous coverage from outlets like Politico, which have detailed Lewandowski’s involvement in DHS contracting. The new, centralized approval process has been cited by the agency as a driver of significant cost savings, though it has also been associated with widespread delays in critical areas from immigration enforcement to disaster response procurement.
Lewandowski’s status is that of a “special government employee,” a designation that allows individuals to serve in government roles for up to 130 days per year without giving up private-sector jobs or full disclosure of outside income. This status subjects him to only some of the ethics rules that apply to full-time federal employees. He has declined to disclose whether he receives payment from external entities or who those payers might be.
An internal Department of Homeland Security policy document from February 2025 shows agency officials, including top aide Corey Lewandowski and Noem — referred to as “S1,” signing off on a policy change. U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Scrim added by ProPublica for clarity.
The contradiction between Secretary Noem’s congressional testimony and the documented operational reality at DHS highlights ongoing questions about transparency and oversight of influential, non-career appointees within the department. It underscores the power wielded by special government employees and the clarity—or lack thereof—provided to Congress regarding their functions.
