On her first day in office, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a directive that disbands the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force and reduces penalties for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This move, buried in a policy memo, has raised concerns as it comes at a time when U.S. intelligence agencies have been warning about the increasing threat of foreign influence operations in American politics. Bondi also terminated efforts to seize assets of Russian oligarchs, redirecting resources to target drug cartels and criminal organizations.
Former officials have expressed shock at the directive, calling it a dangerous move that weakens the government’s ability to combat foreign influence. Critics argue that this decision undermines the Justice Department’s commitment to enforcing existing laws and combating malign foreign influence operations. The directive has also drawn attention to past criminal prosecutions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, with Republicans expressing skepticism and criticisim of the enforcement of the law.
The move by Bondi is seen in the context of ongoing debates over foreign disinformation campaigns, particularly in light of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. The dismantling of the Foreign Influence Task Force has raised concerns about the government’s ability to address foreign influence operations on social media platforms. Critics argue that the decision could open the door to more foreign interference in future elections.
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