AG Pam Bondi Decides To End Foreign Influence Task Force

Attorney General Pam Bondi is disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, sparking controversy and raising questions about national security.

Key Insights

The Foreign Influence Task Force, established in 2017 to combat foreign interference in U.S. elections, is being disbanded.
Attorney General Bondi cites resource reallocation to “more pressing priorities” as the reason for the disbandment.
Critics believe that this decision could invite foreign interference in American affairs.
The move is part of a broader reduction in the Department of Justice’s focus on foreign lobbying transparency laws.

Bondi’s Decision

Attorney General Pam Bondi has made a significant decision to disband the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, a unit established in 2017 by former FBI Director Christopher Wray. This move has sent shockwaves through the national security community and raised questions about the future of efforts to combat foreign interference in U.S. elections.

The task force was created in response to Russia’s influence in the 2016 presidential election and aimed to leverage FBI expertise in counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. Its dissolution is part of a broader shift in priorities at the Department of Justice under Bondi’s leadership.

DOJ disbands foreign influence task force, limits scope of FARA prosecutions https://t.co/QRwC6BbMqc via @DerekDoesTech

— CyberScoop – @cyberscoop.bsky.social (@CyberScoopNews) February 6, 2025

Reallocation of Resources

Bondi explained the disbandment by stating the need to reallocate resources to “more pressing priorities.” These include focusing on drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The Criminal Division’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act unit will now concentrate on foreign bribery cases related to cartel operations, such as human smuggling and narcotics trafficking.

This shift in focus has led to changes in how the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) will be enforced. Under the new directive, FARA will primarily target conduct akin to traditional espionage by foreign government actors, potentially narrowing its scope.

Concerns and Criticisms

The decision has not been without controversy. Critics argue that disbanding the task force could leave the United States more vulnerable to foreign interference in its democratic processes. Former Justice Department and FBI officials have expressed shock and concern over the move.

“It’s astounding. It’s now a free for all for foreign intel services seeking influence,” said Frank Figliuzzi, former head of FBI counterintelligence.

Impact on Foreign Influence Operations

The Foreign Influence Task Force played a role in exposing foreign influence operations, including schemes involving Russia-backed media. Its disbandment, coupled with the reduction in penalties for violating FARA, has raised fears about increased foreign meddling in U.S. affairs.

The task force’s work involved collaboration across FBI field offices, intelligence agencies, government bodies, and private tech companies.

Looking Ahead

As the debate over foreign disinformation and its impact on U.S. elections continues, the long-term effects of disbanding the Foreign Influence Task Force remain to be seen. The decision has sparked a broader discussion about the balance between resource allocation, national security priorities, and the ongoing threat of foreign interference in American democracy.

While supporters of the move argue it will allow for a more focused approach to pressing criminal issues, critics maintain that it could leave the nation more vulnerable to sophisticated foreign influence campaigns.