Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski Targeted in Criminal Probe As Insider Exposes 'Shady' No-Bid Contract Scheme

Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have found themselves in a jam. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation over the awarding of billions of dollars in taxpayers' money to contractors in no-bid contracts.

The investigators are leaving no stone unturned and sending notices to everyone, including former employees. Noem has come into the spotlight after her recent 'Mount Rushmore' advertisement on horseback caused outrage.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, an anonymous political insider has come forward about a scandal in which some senior Republicans are involved. The insider mentioned that the names which have surfaced in the investigation are: Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski and some DHS associates.

The source mentioned that the Homeland Security Inspector General has launched an investigation into the same. Notices have reportedly been sent to numerous government officials and individuals who were part of the contracts. The insider added that the notices were sent to Noem's inner circle as well.

The source confirmed that the wide-ranging investigation is currently ongoing and "no crime has been alleged." Due to the probe, the contracting process has come under immense public criticism in recent weeks.

The accused are allegedly using taxpayers' money to create legal loopholes, leading to no-bid contracts. A DHS official familiar with the incident commented, "It's long overdue and much needed. There has been too much shady stuff done under their watch."

One of the primary reasons for the backlash is Noem's recent advertisement, in which she was seen galloping on a horse at Mount Rushmore. The advertisement reportedly cost $226,137.17 for "five film shoots, 45 produced video advertisements and six produced radio advertisements." This included a handsome signing bonus of $60,000 for the company involved.

The report mentioned that if the investigation finds criminal activity in the already approved contracts, then the case would be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or any number of U.S. Attorney's offices for prosecution.

A report from The New York Times states that President Donald Trump's administration had bypassed standard procedures to hide business opportunities repeatedly. The purpose of this action was to ensure that only one firm, Event Strategies Inc., could secure the contracts.

This tactic transformed the company from a small federal contractor into the government's highest-paid event planner. The report mentioned that federal rules are intended to prevent the direct handover of contracts to companies. Instead, they prefer competitive bidding, with contracts typically awarded through it.

However, Trump's Cabinet members allegedly utilized legal loopholes that were meant to be used for "special situations." The report mentioned that there are at least 5 cases in which the contracts could have gone to other companies if bids had been placed.

Event Strategies Inc. received the majority of the contracts, which amount to an estimated total of $22 million in federal work. Interestingly, it is the same company that organized Trump's 2024 presidential campaign events.

According to a report by The Independent, a Navy spokesperson defended the decision to give four contracts during the Navy's 250th anniversary. They mentioned that a "compressed timeline" was needed to deliver these events.

Nevertheless, regular business has boosted the firm's fortunes, as it is registered with the government as a pre-approved contractor.