Axios - Exclusive: Oversight Committee Dem expands inquiry into Corey Lewandowski

The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee fired off two letters seeking the personal financial disclosure forms for Corey Lewandowski, a former adviser to President Trump now serving in a temporary role at the Department of Homeland Security.

Driving the news: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) sent letters on Friday to both DHS and the Office of Government Ethics asking for Lewandowski's financial information.

• The law requires a public filing after 60 days in the job unless a supervisor allows an exception. If filed, those agencies would hold the records.
• Lewandowski, in his own account to the White House, reported working more than 60 days as a special government employee, but his disclosure form hasn't been made public.

What we're reading: "It is abundantly clear that federal law requires Mr. Lewandowski's financial disclosure to be made public," Garcia wrote in both letters.

• "To ensure that Congress can perform its constitutional oversight responsibilities and protect the integrity of DHS, we request that you release Mr. Lewandowski's financial disclosure to the Committee as well as publish the disclosure by September 19, 2025."
• Garcia requested the disclosure form as well as any potential waivers for public reporting.

What they're saying: "Lots of holding government officials honest and accountable has happened because these reports are made available and filed in a timely fashion," said Jon Golinger, of the liberal watchdog organization Public Citizen.

Context: Despite the temporary nature of Lewandowski's role, he's a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He both travels with the Noem and is involved in decision-making throughout the department.

• Garcia previously wrote a letter to DHS seeking information about Lewandowski's work making decisions on grants, government contracts and personnel at the agency as well as any communications with lobbying firms.
• The first letter also asked for the number of Lewandowski's workdays (which is legally capped at 130 days per year).
• Special government employees do not need to divest from private sector work but are supposed to avoid conflicts of interest. If Lewandowski exceeds 130 days, he will be subject to stricter financial rules.

The other side: "Mr. Lewandowski is a Special Government Employee. His time is kept by a career DHS employee who submits the paperwork on a bi-weekly basis," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to Axios.

• According to the statement, Lewandowski completed all the required forms for his position and is not being paid a salary or receiving government benefits.
• The statement also said that DHS responds to correspondence through official channels.