Justice Department Opens Investigation Into Trump Ally Corey Lewandowski

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into longtime Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, a source familiar with the matter said. The probe marks a legal escalation for the high-profile political figure.

The investigation stems from a criminal referral sent to the Justice Department by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. In other words, the Homeland Security department's own watchdog referred the matter for possible prosecution.

Lewandowski is a longtime political ally of President Donald Trump who previously served as an adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, according to the report.

Asked about the inquiry by reporters outside the White House, President Trump said he wants his staff held accountable and that he had heard something about it.

All I know is I want my people to be honest, Trump said. If they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted, he warned.

The president added that dishonesty amounts to stealing from him as president. They are stealing from me. So I want my people to be honest. And if they're not honest, I'll have my DOJ go and do whatever they have to do, he added.

A representative for Lewandowski told The Wall Street Journal that he has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denied any wrongdoing.

The collected report did not specify the exact allegations behind the referral, the period it covers, or whether any charges will follow from the investigation.

What is confirmed for now is therefore limited: a referral was made, the Justice Department has opened an investigation, Trump has publicly demanded honesty and accountability, and Lewandowski's side has denied wrongdoing.

This is a developing story. The next steps in the investigation, or any new statement from those involved, will clarify the picture further.