Corey Lewandowski accused of running pay-to-play schemes at DHS: report

Corey Lewandowski, who served as de facto chief of staff to ousted Department or Homeland Security's Secretary Kristi Noem, allegedly demanded kickbacks from companies seeking to do business with the DHS, according to NBC News reporting based on industry sources.

GEO Group founder George Zoley met with Lewandowski during the presidential transition and later in March 2025, where Lewandowski allegedly demanded payments described as "success fees" or kickbacks, which Zoley declined. After GEO Group refused the arrangement, two of its federal contracts shrank and facilities sat idle despite Trump administration investment in mass deportation operations.

A marketing firm abandoned pursuit of two DHS contracts after receiving requests to indirectly pay Lewandowski through consulting firms. Government contracts expert Jessica Tillipman called the arrangement "a blazing red flag of procurement integrity concern."

White House officials aware of "pay to play" allegations have taken no action against Lewandowski, fearing Trump's response. Lewandowski and Salus denied the allegations.

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