In a significant shift, the Justice Department under the Trump administration has dissolved a program initiated during the Biden era that aimed to confiscate the assets of Russian oligarchs in response to Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.
This decision to dismantle Task Force KleptoCapture is among several changes proposed by the Justice Department following the appointment of Attorney General Pam Bondi, indicating a new direction regarding Russia and national security matters.
Additionally, the Justice Department has also terminated the Foreign Influence Task Force, which was created during the first term of the Trump administration to monitor and counteract influence operations conducted by Russia and other countries. These operations were intended to create division, undermine democratic institutions, and spread misinformation. Ahead of the upcoming 2024 presidential election, U.S. officials have escalated efforts to thwart Russian propaganda campaigns, which have been reported to favor Trump.
On her first day in office, Bondi communicated to department personnel through a memo that attorneys involved in these initiatives would return to their previous roles, and resources dedicated to these efforts would be redirected towards combating cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), signaling a shift in focus.
The Trump administration has placed a strong emphasis on tackling the illegal trafficking of fentanyl into the United States, a substance that contributes to around 70,000 overdose fatalities each year.
Moreover, the Justice Department has revised its approach to enforcing the Foreign Agents Registration Act, a law enacted during World War II that mandates individuals to inform the government when lobbying on behalf of foreign governments, including Russia. With the new policy, prosecutors are now instructed to concentrate on more classic espionage activities as opposed to merely registration infractions.
Despite the dissolution of the task force, Trump administration officials, such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have urged for a firmer approach toward Russia. During his confirmation hearing, Bessent called for enhanced sanctions on Russian oil, arguing that the sanctions implemented by the Biden administration lacked strength.
He commented, “I believe the previous administration was concerned about increasing U.S. energy prices in an election year.”
Trump has expressed intentions to expedite a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, noting that discussions are currently ongoing to end the hostilities. He stated earlier this week, “We made a lot of progress on Russia, Ukraine. We’ll see what happens. We’re going to stop that ridiculous war.”
