American Oversight Sues DHS for Records on Corey Lewandowski’s Shadow Role
As DHS wages war on American cities, secrecy around Lewandowski continues the Trump Administration’s assault on the public’s right to know.
On Wednesday, American Oversight sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for failing to release records that could answer numerous questions about Corey Lewandowski’s shadowy role at the agency, including his status as a Special Government Employee (SGE). Despite being described as DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s “de facto chief of staff,” Lewandowski has evaded basic transparency and oversight requirements while reportedly exercising sweeping influence over policy, contracts, and personnel decisions.
The secrecy around Lewandowski’s role in the Trump administration — including his apparent misuse of the SGE designation that is intended for individuals who provide temporary, limited service to the government — reflects the administration’s broader hostility toward transparency. Recent reports suggest concern about his murky role is growing among at least some inside the White House.
Our lawsuit follows months of stonewalling by DHS, which has failed to respond to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking Lewandowski’s communications, calendars, and other records. DHS’s refusal to release records about his activities obscures whether he has exceeded the legal time limits on his appointment, avoided using government email to conduct official business, and directed agency business that may benefit his private associates.
“It is telling that this White House — which has shown an aversion to the rule of law — has reportedly grown weary of Mr. Lewandowski’s attempts to game the system at DHS,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “At a time when DHS is waging war on American cities, its refusal to provide basic transparency poses an increasing threat to the public’s right to know and our democracy. Transparency laws exist for a reason: When powerful operatives like Lewandowski are allowed to wield government authority behind closed doors, public trust is undermined and accountability erodes.”
Reports indicate that Lewandowski has acted as Secretary Noem’s “gatekeeper,” routed meetings through himself, directed personnel decisions, and even exercised veto power over contracts exceeding $100,000 — all while eschewing use of his government email and phone number to conduct official business and avoiding badge swipes that would document his time in government buildings. Despite these responsibilities, DHS claims he has worked only 69 days this year (228 days have elapsed since Secretary Noem was confirmed; Lewandowski began working there shortly after), well under the 130-day cap for SGEs — a count that insiders describe as a “gross undercount.”
Lewandowski has also failed to file a public financial disclosure report, raising concerns about whether he is complying with ethics rules that prohibit SGEs from engaging in outside work that conflicts with official duties. DHS’s secrecy has left unanswered questions about whether Lewandowski maintains private clients with interests before the agency.