Corey Lewandowski is no longer serving at the Department of Homeland Security, a spokesperson confirmed on Saturday, stating that he “no longer has a role at DHS.” His departure comes amid heightened scrutiny over his responsibilities within the agency and questions about his involvement in contract-related decisions.
Lewandowski had been working as a special government employee and a senior adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. His exit follows a broader leadership shakeup at DHS after President Donald Trump removed Noem from her position roughly a year into her tenure. Former Senator Markwayne Mullin was sworn in earlier this week as her successor.
In the weeks leading up to Lewandowski’s departure, concerns had been raised about his role overseeing contracts within DHS. According to multiple reports, Trump began asking aides about Lewandowski’s duties, including whether he had any personal financial interest tied to contract decisions. Some sources alleged that Lewandowski approached contractors about payments connected to maintaining or expanding their agreements with the department. These claims have been firmly denied by his representative, who described the allegations as “absolutely false” and insisted that Lewandowski never sought compensation.
Democratic lawmakers have since opened formal inquiries into the matter, examining whether Lewandowski may have attempted to secure personal payments while serving in a government capacity. Additional scrutiny has also been directed at a $220 million DHS advertising contract awarded in 2025 that prominently featured Noem, raising further questions about oversight and transparency within the agency.
The sequence of events suggests that internal concerns may have preceded public political pressure. Noem was first removed from her role, followed by Trump’s inquiries into Lewandowski’s activities, and ultimately Lewandowski’s departure from DHS.
Meanwhile, Markwayne Mullin now assumes leadership of the department after being confirmed by the Senate in a 54–45 vote, largely along party lines. His appointment marks the end of a 13-year career in Congress, during which he served in both the House and Senate and often acted as a liaison between the two chambers.
A small number of Democrats, including Senators Martin Heinrich and John Fetterman, joined most Republicans in supporting Mullin’s confirmation. Heinrich explained his decision by pointing to his working relationship with Mullin, describing him as independent-minded. However, the nomination faced opposition from most Democrats and Republican Senator Rand Paul, who cited personal disagreements.
Mullin takes over a department facing ongoing scrutiny, political tension, and significant responsibilities, including border security, immigration enforcement, and counterterrorism efforts.
