Investigation into suspicions of illegal enrichment of Trump associates... Trump: If you're dishonest, you should be prosecuted

(Washington = Yonhap News) Correspondent Lee Yu-mi = Corey Lewandowski, a long-time close associate of U.S. President Donald Trump, has been found to be under investigation by the Department of Justice on suspicion of taking unfair advantage in the process of government contracts while working at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 23rd (local time), the Justice Department is investigating whether Lewandowski took advantage of his influence over government contracts for personal gain while serving as a senior advisor to former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Norm.

The investigation began when the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General investigated allegations of contract irregularities within the department for several months and then turned the case over to federal prosecutors, sources said.

Lewandowski served as President Trump's campaign manager during the 2016 presidential election. After the inauguration of the second Trump administration last year, he joined the Department of Homeland Security as an advisor to former Secretary Norm.

Although he was a Special Government Employee (SGE) with a limited period of service, he is said to have had extensive influence over the Department of Homeland Security's contracts, operations, and personnel decisions.

Former Secretary Norm was criticized for delaying the execution of emergency funds such as hurricane relief by requiring approval from the Department of Homeland Security headquarters for contracts exceeding $100,000 while in office. His successor, Secretary Markwayne Mullen, repealed this rule and raised the threshold for reviewing contracts to more than $25 million.

During former Secretary Nome's tenure, controversies arose at the Department of Homeland Security, including a $1 billion contract related to a pro-Trump donor, a $200 million contract to purchase private jets for high-ranking officials, and a $200 million promotional advertising contract featuring former Secretary Nome.

Lewandowski also left the Department of Homeland Security after President Trump fired former Secretary Norm in March.

Lewandowski denies the allegations of misconduct.

President Trump said he did not know the specific details of this investigation, but expressed his position that even close associates should be prosecuted if they committed dishonest acts.

In response to reporters' questions the day before, President Trump said, "I heard something about it, but I don't know exactly what it was," and added, "I want my people to be honest."

He continued, "If someone is dishonest, it is not only a fault against the country, but also a fault against me. If they are dishonest, I will instruct the Ministry of Justice to take necessary action."

WP evaluated it as unusual for the Justice Department, which has focused on investigating President Trump's political opponents, to investigate a long-time associate of President Trump.