Former Trump aide Lewandowski becomes target of US criminal probe

what happened

Reuters, citing three US officials and one more source familiar with the case, reports that Corey Lewandowski, a former political adviser to Donald Trump who was also a senior aide at the Department of Homeland Security, is being investigated on suspicion of profiting from his government role. The case grew out of a referral sent to the Justice Department by the DHS internal watchdog. Lewandowski's lawyer, Adam Trigg, did not comment immediately, while the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the probe, quoted him as saying his client rejects all allegations.

According to the sources, the DOJ has not yet issued subpoenas or other legal demands. Lewandowski reportedly signed some DHS contracts despite questions about his authority as a special government employee. Some grants and contracts, including ones tied to FEMA, were paused at his direction. Trump said he did not know the details but added that he wants his people to be honest.

why it matters

The Justice Department has moved to dismiss several cases involving Trump allies, while probes into people close to the president have been rare, which keeps the story politically sensitive. For markets the direct effect looks limited; the main relevance is for debates over federal contracting and oversight.

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