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ARTICLE · 12 FEBRUARY 2025

AG Bondi Issues Important FARA Directive

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On her first day in office, new U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a wide-ranging formal Memorandum that includes an important section related to FARA.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Matthew Sanderson
Matthew Sanderson
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On her first day in office, new U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a wide-ranging formal Memorandum that includes an important section related to FARA:

Shifting Resources in the National Security Division. To free resources to address more pressing priorities, and end risks of further weaponization and abuses of prosecutorial discretion, the Foreign Influence Task Force shall be disbanded. Recourse to criminal charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and 18 U.S.C. § 951 shall be limited to instances of alleged conduct similar to more traditional espionage by foreign government actors. With respect to FARA and § 951, the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, including the FARA Unit, shall focus on civil enforcement, regulatory initiatives, and public guidance.

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This article is designed to give general information on the developments covered, not to serve as legal advice related to specific situations or as a legal opinion. Counsel should be consulted for legal advice.

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