Story perspectives

FARA to target espionage lobbying; Menendez convicted

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Bondi, a Qatar lobbyist, said the Foreign Agents Registration Act will now target only espionage-like lobbying crimes.
He said the act’s neglect let a multibillion-dollar lobbying industry aid dictatorships shaping U.S. policy.
After Trump’s first election, prosecutors secured guilty pleas from foreign lobbyists, exposing the sector.
In 2024, then-Senator Bob Menendez was convicted of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Egypt and hiding gold bars at home.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Bondi, a Qatar lobbyist, said the Foreign Agents Registration Act will now target only espionage-like lobbying crimes.
He said the act’s neglect let a multibillion-dollar lobbying industry aid dictatorships shaping U.S. policy.
After Trump’s first election, prosecutors secured guilty pleas from foreign lobbyists, exposing the sector.
In 2024, then-Senator Bob Menendez was convicted of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Egypt and hiding gold bars at home.