Investigate Trump DHS Pay-to-Play Scheme with GEO Group

As your constituent, I urge you to demand a comprehensive congressional investigation into the Trump administration's pay-to-play scheme involving the GEO Group and contracts with the Department of Homeland Security. The evidence is clear and troubling. Special Government Employee Corey Lewandowski, serving directly under then-Secretary Kristi Noem, allegedly demanded kickbacks from the GEO Group based on contract values. When the company refused his demands and offered a retainer instead, Lewandowski retaliated by directing DHS officials to award no additional contracts to the corporation. This represents textbook corruption—using public office for personal financial gain. The scheme extends beyond Lewandowski. The Trump administration awarded no-bid contracts worth $220 million to firms with ties to DHS leadership, including Safe America Media and People Who Think. Secretary Noem herself appeared in ads funded by these contracts, raising serious questions about the intersection of her official duties and financial interests. After her firing this year, an administration official cited the troubled ad campaign as a contributing factor to her removal. The GEO Group's relationship with the Trump administration reveals a pattern of contractor favoritism. The company donated $225,000 in illegal contributions to Trump's super PAC in 2016, just after the Obama administration announced plans to phase out private prisons. Once Trump took office and appointed Jeff Sessions, the policy reversed, and GEO received $110 million in federal contracts. I urge you to support concrete actions: First, demand full financial disclosures from all Trump DHS appointees and SGEs, including Lewandowski, which remain illegally hidden from the public. Second, subpoena all communications between GEO Group representatives and DHS personnel regarding contracts. Third, call for the Inspector General investigation to be expanded and given prosecutorial resources. Fourth, introduce legislation establishing stronger contractor conflict-of-interest safeguards and penalties. Fifth, terminate all contracts with GEO Group, Safe America Media, and People Who Think. This corruption violates the public trust and wastes taxpayer money. The American people deserve accountability and transparency from their government.