U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan is again directing Corey Lewandowski to preserve records from his time at the Department of Homeland Security, saying the material may be needed for a Senate investigation into allegations involving his handling of federal contracts.
Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, sent Lewandowski a letter Wednesday. The request follows an earlier warning in June, when she told him to retain documents connected to his work at DHS during former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure. Hassan is poised to become chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which she said should examine the allegations.
Lewandowski served as a special government employee at DHS and was Noem’s lead adviser, according to the station’s report. His position was supposed to limit the number of days he worked for the department, while his role and influence were described as extending into contract matters and other agency decisions.
“I wanted to put Mr. Lewandowski on notice that he has a legal obligation to preserve documents, preserve records, so that as we begin to investigate what the situation was and if these allegations against him are true, we will have the documentation that can help us with that investigation,” — Sen. Maggie Hassan said in June.
The renewed request comes as allegations concerning multimillion-dollar DHS contracts face additional scrutiny. Sources told ABC News that the Justice Department is investigating Lewandowski. The allegations include claims of corruption and that he profited from his former role at the department.
President Donald Trump said last month that he had “heard something about” a Justice Department investigation into allegations that Lewandowski benefited financially from his DHS position. The allegations have not been established in court.
Lewandowski’s role at DHS
Lewandowski is a New Hampshire native and served as Trump’s first campaign manager during the 2016 presidential campaign. At DHS, he worked under Noem as a special government employee. Hassan’s review would focus on how he handled contracts and whether his responsibilities were consistent with the limits attached to that employment designation.
- June: Hassan first warned Lewandowski to preserve documents and records tied to his DHS work.
- Wednesday: Hassan renewed the request as she prepares to take a leadership role on the Senate committee responsible for homeland security oversight.
- Current investigation: Sources told ABC News that the Justice Department is examining allegations involving Lewandowski’s DHS role.
Hassan said preserving the records would allow senators to review what occurred if the allegations are supported. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has jurisdiction over the department and its operations, placing the matter within the committee’s stated oversight responsibilities as Hassan prepares to lead it.
