Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem misled Congress about her controversial aide Corey Lewandowski’s role in approving agency contracts, according to internal DHS records and four current and former department officials.

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal asked Noem whether Lewandowski has “a role in approving contracts” at DHS. Noem responded with a flat denial: “No.”

Internal DHS records reviewed by ProPublica contradict Noem’s testimony, showing Lewandowski personally approved a multimillion-dollar equipment contract at the agency last summer. Current and former department employees said Lewandowski has approved numerous contracts at DHS and often must sign off on large ones before money goes out the door.

Lewandowski holds an unusual position at DHS, serving as an unpaid aide who nonetheless acts as a top official helping Noem run the sprawling agency. For months, Congress has pressed the agency to detail the scope of his work and authority.

Last year, Noem implemented a new policy consolidating her power and that of her top aides over all DHS spending. The policy requires Noem to personally review and approve all contracts above $100,000, according to the records. Before contracts reach Noem, they must be approved by a series of political appointees who each sign or initial a checklist sometimes called a routing sheet internally. DHS officials said Lewandowski’s name typically appears last on the checklist before Noem’s.

A DHS spokesperson reiterated Noem’s denial in a statement. “Mr. Lewandowski does NOT play a role in approving contracts,” the spokesperson said. “Mr. Lewandowski does not receive a salary or any federal government benefits. He volunteers his time to serve the American people.” Lewandowski did not respond to requests for comment.

Under federal law, knowingly and willfully making false statements to Congress constitutes a crime, though such cases are rarely prosecuted.

The contract approval process extends beyond spending decisions. One checklist about rolling back protections for Haitians in the U.S. emerged in litigation last year, featuring signatures from several top DHS advisers followed by Lewandowski’s signature and then Noem’s.

Widespread reports have documented delays caused by the new contract approval process at DHS, which oversees responsibilities from immigration enforcement to disaster relief to airport security. DHS has claimed the review process saved taxpayers billions of dollars.

Lewandowski operates as a “special government employee,” a designation historically used to allow experts to serve in government for limited periods without abandoning outside employment. Special government employees must follow only some ethics rules that apply to regular officials and can maintain outside income sources.

At the beginning of the Trump administration, Elon Musk also held special government employee status. Lewandowski has declined to disclose whether outside companies pay him or identify potential employers.

The controversy highlights ongoing questions about accountability and transparency within DHS under Noem’s leadership. The department’s vast responsibilities include protecting the nation’s borders, responding to natural disasters, and securing transportation systems.

Several news outlets have previously reported aspects of Lewandowski’s involvement in DHS contracting decisions, but the internal records provide new evidence contradicting Noem’s congressional testimony.

The discrepancy between Noem’s public statements and internal documentation raises questions about the secretary’s candor with Congress regarding her aide’s influence over federal spending decisions. DHS manages a budget exceeding $50 billion annually across its numerous agencies and programs.