Maggie Hassan urged Corey Lewandowski to preserve Homeland Security records this week as she prepares to oversee scrutiny of his time at the Department of Homeland Security. She said the accusations against him remain serious and that she intends to use the committee’s full authorities, including compulsory process where necessary.
Lewandowski was a top adviser at Homeland Security, with wide influence over personnel, contracts, and department operations. Hassan’s request puts those records at the center of the review, including documents tied to allegations that he sought personal financial compensation from government contractors in exchange for favorable contracts.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Hassan is in line to chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, giving Democrats the power to hold hearings and issue subpoenas once the new Congress is sworn in. She previously requested Lewandowski’s records, and his lawyers rejected that earlier request on the ground that he had no legal obligation to comply at the time.
In March, NBC News reported that Lewandowski had requested payments from GEO Group based on its business with Homeland Security. later reported that the Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Lewandowski over accusations that he profited from his role.
Hassan said the allegations remain serious. Adam Trigg, his lawyer, denied that Lewandowski did anything improper or illegal and rejected accusations that he demanded payment from any potential or current government contractors.
Corey Lewandowski on the record
Lewandowski, who was the first manager for Donald J. Trump’s 2016 campaign, said last week on The John Fredericks Show that he was happy to have any conversations with anybody and had nothing to hide. That public stance now sits beside a formal preservation request as Democrats prepare to test the committee tools Hassan says she will use.
Hassan has also said Democrats will scrutinize aggressive tactics by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the fatal shootings of at least three U.S. citizens, and efforts to deport people to countries where they have no ties. For Lewandowski, the immediate next step is simple: keep the records that could be pulled into hearings, subpoenas, or both.
