<div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-0"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">An expansive inquiry by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general into the handling of contracts under the agency’s former secretary, Kristi Noem, is scrutinizing her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski’s interactions with companies seeking federal business, according to multiple people familiar with the investigation.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">The inquiry comes as administration officials have fielded complaints from companies about their dealings with Mr. Lewandowski, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions. They and others familiar with the inquiry spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">Among the companies that complained, the people said, is Palantir, the data analysis and technology firm whose services have been used broadly by the Homeland Security Department, including for a new program <a class="css-yywogo" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/technology/tech-ice-facial-recognition-palantir.html" title="">to help track individuals</a> for deportation.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">The focus of the investigation by the inspector general, Joseph V. Cuffari, who was nominated to his post by President Trump in his first term, reflects the widening fallout from Ms. Noem’s rocky tenure. Mr. Trump <a class="css-yywogo" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/us/politics/kristi-noem-markwayne-mullin-trump.html?smid=url-share" title="">abruptly fired her</a> last month amid criticisms of an expensive advertising campaign that prominently featured her. The inquiry deepens the questions about <a class="css-yywogo" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/21/us/politics/corey-lewandowski-noem-dhs.html" title="">the latitude she granted to Mr. Lewandowski</a>, a special adviser who was not an official government employee and was supposed to serve in a limited capacity.</p></div><aside aria-label="companion column" class="css-ew4tgv"></aside></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-1"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-1"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">A spokesman for Mr. Cuffari’s office declined to comment, noting that it does not confirm or deny any potential ongoing investigation. Palantir did not respond to requests for comment.</p><p class="css-ac37hb evys1bk0">A statement released by Mr. Lewandowski’s office said he was not aware of any outreach from the inspector general and denied any impropriety in his dealings with companies.</p><div class="css-kbghgg"><div class="css-121kum4"><div class="css-171d1bw"></div><div class="css-asuuk5"><noscript><div class="css-7axq9l" data-testid="optimistic-truncator-noscript"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="css-1b5b8u1" data-tpl="i" height="24" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="24"><path clip-rule="evenodd" d="M2.5 12a9.5 9.5 0 1 1 19 0 9.5 9.5 0 0 1-19 0Zm8.5 1.75v-7.5h2v7.5h-2Zm0 2v2h2v-2h-2Z" fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd"></path></svg><div class="css-6yo1no" data-testid="optimistic-truncator-noscript-message"><p class="css-3kpklk" data-tpl="t">We are having trouble retrieving the article content.</p><p class="css-3kpklk" data-tpl="t">Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.</p></div></div></noscript><div class="css-1dv1kvn" id="optimistic-truncator-a11y" tabindex="-1"><hr/><p>Thank you for your patience while we verify access. 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