Trump Questions Aides About Lewandowski's Role in DHS Ad Campaign

Concerns raised over $220 million federal ad campaign featuring former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump has been asking his aides about whether longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski profited personally from a $220 million federal advertising campaign featuring former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was recently fired. The ads were a focus of contentious congressional hearings that led to Noem's removal, and Trump has grown suspicious about Lewandowski's influence in awarding government contracts at DHS.

Why it matters

The controversy over the DHS ad campaign highlights ongoing concerns about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of government resources within the Trump administration. As a special government employee at DHS, Lewandowski's role in the lucrative ad contracts has drawn scrutiny, especially given his close personal ties to the president.

The details

According to sources, Trump has repeatedly asked aides about whether Lewandowski made money from the DHS ad campaign, which featured images of Noem discussing the American dream and immigration enforcement. Lewandowski, who served as a de facto chief of staff to Noem at DHS, has denied profiting from any contracts, but lawmakers are investigating the no-bid deals awarded to several firms connected to the ad campaign.

  • Trump has questioned aides about the ad campaign in recent days.
  • Noem was fired as Homeland Security Secretary last week.
  • Lewandowski has served as a 'special government employee' at DHS for over a year.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has been asking questions about Corey Lewandowski's role in the DHS ad campaign.

Corey Lewandowski

A longtime adviser to President Trump who has served as a 'special government employee' at the Department of Homeland Security, wielding significant influence over federal contracts.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who was fired after her expensive ad campaign featuring herself became a focus of congressional scrutiny.

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What they’re saying

“He's mentioned the ads several times”

— Senior White House Official (NBC News)

“Corey made out on that one”

— Donald Trump (NBC News)

“zero, not one penny”

— Corey Lewandowski (NBC News)

What’s next

The Senate Judiciary Committee and other lawmakers are investigating the no-bid contracts awarded for the DHS ad campaign, including any potential ties to Corey Lewandowski.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about conflicts of interest and misuse of government resources within the Trump administration, as the president's close adviser Lewandowski appears to have wielded significant influence over lucrative federal contracts at the Department of Homeland Security.