DOJ Shuts Down FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s move to dissolve the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force has raised questions regarding the ramifications for national security.

Quick Takes

Established in 2017, the Foreign Influence Task Force aimed to counteract foreign election interference.
Pam Bondi says resources are redirected toward tackling drug cartels.
Critics argue the move could lead to increased foreign interference.
The directive includes reduced focus on prosecuting foreign bribery cases.

Dismantling of a Key Task Force

Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the FBI to disband the Foreign Influence Task Force, previously established by former FBI Director Christopher Wray in 2017. The task force was designed to address foreign interference in U.S. elections with a primary focus on Russia’s activities during the 2016 presidential elections. The dissolution of this team has sparked questions about the future of election security in America.

The task force utilized the FBI’s expertise in counterintelligence, cyber threats, and counterterrorism to investigate and respond to foreign influence operations. The task force’s work also involved collaboration with FBI field offices, intelligence agencies, government bodies, and tech companies.

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

Reallocating Resources

Pam Bondi stated it was necessary to “free resources to address more pressing priorities, such as combating drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.” Bondi’s directive includes a broader shift in Department of Justice priorities, particularly reducing focus on foreign lobbying transparency laws overseen by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Furthermore, Bondi’s approach aims to enhance FARA’s focus to target espionage-like conduct by foreign actors, while the Criminal Division will concentrate more on cartel-linked crimes such as human smuggling and narcotics trafficking.

Concerns and Criticisms

However, some former Justice Department and FBI officials have expressed concern over Bondi’s decision. Critics argue this change risks regressing on foreign interference detection in national elections. Concerns have been raised about Bondi’s past lobbying for Qatar, which critics suggest could pose a conflict of interest in matters of foreign influence.

The disbandment also ceased efforts to seize Russian oligarch assets, further fuelling debate over possible foreign disinformation and the broader impact of Bondi’s directives on U.S. security strategy.