As much as I dislike Trump and everything he represents, I try to stay grounded in facts, not rumors. That’s why I checked the claim that Corey Lewandowski pulled in $1.2 million in 2025 through a maze of consulting LLCs. It would have fit neatly into my argument — but the problem is, I couldn’t find a single credible source to back it up. Not ProPublica, not FEC filings, not reputable reporting.
Lewandowski absolutely benefits from his proximity to Trump; he always has. The consulting, the PAC connections, the influence machine — all of that is well-documented. But I’m not going to pin a dollar figure on him when I can’t verify it.
Oddly enough, that strengthens the larger point I’m trying to make. If I’m willing to throw out a claim that helps my argument because it doesn’t check out, then readers know I’m not here to invent villains or twist the facts. I’m here to map out the real patterns, the real money, the real influence. And in a time when everything feels upside down, that kind of clarity matters more than scoring easy points.
If I was to be concerned about anything in particular would be Lewandowski’s Citgo Work
Citgo is owned by the Venezuelan government
Lobbying for Citgo
Lewandowski’s firm, Avenue Strategies, took a contract from Citgo. Politico and other outlets reported a $25,000/month contract. Politico+1
According to Politico, the deal was partly to “help provide access” to the Trump administration amid tension over U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. Politico
The contract raised red flags: Public Citizen noted that Avenue Strategies billed more than $1 million over time in work tied to Citgo. Public Citizen
Foreign Policy Risk and Geopolitics
Citgo is owned by the Venezuelan government (PDVSA). Wikipedia+1
At the same time, there were fears that Rosneft (Russia) could take control of Citgo because of PDVSA’s debt. Politico+1
This makes the lobbying work not just corporate consulting but geopolitically sensitive: having someone with deep Trump connections lobbying could influence how U.S. policy treats Citgo / Venezuela.
Controversy, Ethics & Resignation
Lewandowski eventually left Avenue Strategies, saying he didn’t want to be “a target.” CBS News+1
Critics questioned whether his role with the firm — and the Citgo contract — violated lobbying rules or foreign-agent registration requirements. Salon.com+1
Some say Avenue used his name for political leverage even when he claimed limited involvement. Politico
Public Perception vs. Real Leverage
On one level, this deal illustrates how influence works: companies with foreign-state ties will pay for access, and someone like Lewandowski — with Trump ties — has exactly that.
On another level, it adds strategic complexity: Lewandowski isn’t just making money; he’s part of a nexus where business, geopolitics, and policy intersect.
For my analysis, it’s a data point that shows his role is not purely “financial profiteer” — but influencer / intermediary in geopolitical business.
