Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds DHS Contract Awarded to Lewandowski-Linked Firm
2/27/2026, 1:10:27 AM
Awarding of the Contract
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $250,000 public relations contract to American Made Media Company (AMMC) LLC, a consulting firm with ties to former Trump campaign officials and connections to Corey Lewandowski, a senior adviser to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The contract was posted on September 26, 2025, with bids due the following day, and was awarded just four days later. The DHS's request for proposals explicitly sought firms aligned with Trump administration policies, which has raised concerns about potential bias in the procurement process.
Background on Key Figures
Corey Lewandowski, who served as Donald Trump’s campaign manager in 2016, has been described as a significant influence within the DHS, despite his official title as a special government employee, which limits his work to 130 days per year. His relationship with Kristi Noem, who has been the subject of rumors regarding a romantic involvement with Lewandowski, has reportedly affected the internal dynamics of the DHS. Noem has denied these allegations, calling them "salacious gossip."
Criticism of the Contract Awarding Process
Experts have criticized the rapid awarding of the contract to AMMC, describing it as "highly unusual" and potentially unprecedented. Scott Amey, general counsel for the Project on Government Oversight, noted that the expedited timeline could lead to poor deals for taxpayers. The explicit requirement for contractors to demonstrate loyalty to Trump administration policies has been viewed as a violation of federal procurement guidelines, which mandate impartiality in government contracts.
Allegations of Misconduct
In addition to the contract controversy, Lewandowski has faced scrutiny for allegedly entering the cockpit of a government jet during ascent, which may have violated safety protocols. He reportedly fired a pilot over a missing blanket belonging to Noem, only to have the pilot reinstated later due to a lack of available replacements. This incident has further fueled speculation about the internal culture at DHS under Noem and Lewandowski's influence.
Official Statements & Responses
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the contract award, stating that it is natural for the department to seek consulting firms aligned with its mission. She emphasized that DHS procurements are overseen by the chief procurement officer and adhere to federal laws ensuring transparency and competition. However, critics argue that the language used in the contract request raises serious concerns about procurement integrity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the DHS maintains that its procurement processes are transparent, experts have pointed out that the rapid timeline and partisan language in the contract request are unprecedented. Jessica Tillipman, an associate dean at George Washington University, remarked that such explicit political bias in procurement has not been seen before in her 20 years of experience.
What's Next
The contract with AMMC is set to conclude on June 12, 2026. As scrutiny continues over the relationship between Noem and Lewandowski, as well as the implications of the awarded contract, further investigations into DHS's procurement practices and internal operations may be forthcoming.
