Scoop: Records request on Corey Lewandowski draws lawsuit from watchdog group
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Corey Lewandowski speaks during the CPAC Conservative Political Action Conference in Jasionka, Poland, on May 27, 2025. Photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
American Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog group, is suing the Department of Homeland Security over unanswered FOIA requests on Corey Lewandowski's work at the agency.
Why it matters: The lawsuit is the latest oversight attention directed at Lewandowski, a former aide to President Trump and special government employee, following increased monitoring from the White House and inquiry letters from congressional Democrats.
The latest: The lawsuit stems from three FOIA requests for Lewandowski's calendar and communications at DHS, where he serves in a temporary role but has significant influence over spending, personnel and operations, according to media reports.
- The requests were made throughout the summer and acknowledged by DHS, but the agency hasn't responded with any records, according to the filing.
American Oversight requested multiple records:
- Lewandowski's emails, text messages and records communicating with external organizations, the White House, Congress and DOGE,
- Lewandowski's calendar,
- Emails from Lewandowski and eight other DHS officials mentioning the Insurrection Act and the Posse Comitatus Act from April 10 to June 5,
- And emails from Lewandowski and six other DHS officials mentioning denaturalizing American citizens.
What they're saying: "It is telling that this White House — which has shown an aversion to the rule of law — has reportedly grown weary of Mr. Lewandowski's attempts to game the system at DHS," Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, said in a statement.
- "Transparency laws exist for a reason: When powerful operatives like Lewandowski are allowed to wield government authority behind closed doors, public trust is undermined and accountability erodes."
The other side: "Under the FOIA statute, requesters are free to file lawsuits regarding their document requests, as long as they follow the administrative process," said assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
- "DHS, however, is fully complying with FOIA requirements and has not indicated any unwillingness to provide responsive documents. If these plaintiffs want to waste their money and the court's time, that is their right."
Zoom out: Lewandowski, a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is a special government employee for the department. The role is meant to be temporary and limited to 130 days of work per calendar year.
- As of mid-August, Lewandowski reported to the White House that he had only worked 69 days this year, but four administration officials told Axios that this was likely a gross undercount.
- As a special employee, Lewandowksi can still work in the private sector as others with that title like Elon Musk did.
- But after 60 days of service, his personal financial disclosure should be publicly available.
