DHS Inspector General Probing Contracts Handled by Former Secretary Kristi Noem

Investigation also examining influence of ex-staffer Corey Lewandowski at the department

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:28pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with a lone desk and chair, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and scrutiny.The DHS Inspector General's investigation into former Secretary Noem's contracting practices casts a somber, introspective mood over the department's operations.Washington Today

The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into contracts handled by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and the influence of ex-staffer Corey Lewandowski at the department, according to sources. The probe is examining potential improprieties in the contract approval process, including the role of a former FEMA official who was installed by Noem.

Why it matters

The IG investigation raises questions about potential mismanagement and lack of oversight during Noem's tenure as DHS secretary, as well as the extent of Lewandowski's influence over department operations. The findings could have significant implications for the agency's contracting procedures and leadership accountability.

The details

The IG's office is scrutinizing how Noem and Lewandowski, who was known as 'the chief' within DHS, handled and awarded contracts. At least one former FEMA official, Kara Voorhies, who was installed by Noem on a contract basis, is also under investigation for her involvement in FEMA contracting processes. The cost of Voorhies' contract is also being examined.

  • In March 2026, DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari warned Congress that Noem was blocking his investigations and stalling report implementation.
  • During the Texas floods in July 2025, Voorhies was reportedly unreachable, leading senior leadership to act without her approval.

The players

Kristi Noem

Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security who is at the center of the IG investigation.

Corey Lewandowski

Former DHS staffer who had significant influence over department decision-making, according to sources.

Kara Voorhies

Former FEMA official who was installed by Noem on a contract basis and is now under investigation by the IG.

Joseph Cuffari

The DHS Inspector General who has been probing Noem's actions and stalled report implementation.

Markwayne Mullin

The current DHS Secretary who has pledged to cooperate with any IG investigations.

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What they’re saying

“I will do everything required to me by law. And in the policies that you guys give me, there won't be any gray area with me. We want to have a good relationship with, with the IG. He's got a job to do.”

— Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary

“The scope of the IG review will be sweeping, looking for any improprieties in how contracts were awarded, to include whether any crimes were committed. At the conclusion of the review, the IG would normally document their findings in a public report, describing any violations of regulation or policy or summarizing the ways in which the contract approval process hindered DHS operations.”

— John Sandweg, Former Acting General Counsel, DHS

What’s next

The IG's office is expected to publicly release a report detailing its findings from the wide-ranging investigation into Noem's tenure and Lewandowski's influence at DHS.

The takeaway

This probe underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability within the Department of Homeland Security, particularly when it comes to contracting processes and the role of political appointees in shaping department operations.