Manchester, N.H. – Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chairwoman Maggie Hassan sent a letter yesterday to New Hampshire native Corey Lewandowski, demanding that he keep all records tied to the way he managed contracts while serving at the Department of Homeland Security.
Hassan, who is set to lead the Senate’s top oversight panel on homeland security, said the request is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability for federal officials who handle taxpayer‑funded contracts.
“Preserving these documents is essential for any legitimate investigation and for the public’s confidence in our government,” Hassan wrote. “I expect full cooperation from Mr. Lewandowski as we examine the facts surrounding these contract decisions.”
Background on the inquiry
The letter follows earlier reporting by News 9 in June, when Hassan first asked Lewandowski to safeguard the same records. Sources told ABC News that the Department of Justice has already opened an investigation into the former DHS official, although details of the probe have not been released.
Lewandowski, a former senior adviser to President Donald J. Trump, served at DHS during the Trump administration. His tenure included oversight of procurement and contracting functions that have drawn scrutiny from both lawmakers and watchdog groups.
Why the records matter
Contracting decisions at a department as large as DHS can involve billions of dollars. Critics argue that without a clear paper trail, it becomes difficult to assess whether contracts were awarded fairly, whether conflicts of interest existed, or whether taxpayer money was spent wisely.
Hassan’s committee has a statutory duty to oversee the Department’s operations and to protect the integrity of federal procurement. By securing the records, the Senate panel hopes to determine if any irregularities occurred and, if so, to recommend corrective action.
Response from Lewandowski’s side
Lewandowski has not publicly responded to the latest letter. In prior statements, he has defended his record at DHS, emphasizing that all contract actions were conducted in accordance with existing regulations and that no wrongdoing was found during internal reviews.
His legal team is expected to review the request and advise on the appropriate steps to comply while protecting any privileged information.
What’s next
The Justice Department’s investigation will likely run in parallel with the Senate committee’s review. If the inquiry uncovers evidence of misconduct, it could lead to further congressional action, including hearings or referrals for possible prosecution.
For New Hampshire residents, the case underscores the importance of vigilant oversight of federal officials, especially those with ties to the state. Hassan’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to ensuring that federal agencies operate transparently and responsibly.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
