DOJ Disbands Task Force Targeting Russian Oligarchs, Shifts Focus to Drug Cartels

The Trump administration's Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has disbanded Task Force KleptoCapture, a Biden-era initiative aimed at seizing assets of Russian oligarchs in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This decision marks a significant shift in focus toward combating drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The disbanding of the Foreign Influence Task Force, which was created to counter foreign interference in U.S. elections, further reflects this new direction, as resources will now be redirected to address what Bondi deems more pressing priorities. Critics have raised concerns about Bondi's past ties to lobbying for Qatar and the implications of diminishing oversight on foreign influence operations. The Justice Department's new strategy emphasizes traditional law enforcement priorities over sanctions enforcement and foreign lobbying transparency. These changes could alter the U.S. approach to both domestic and international security issues as the 2024 presidential election approaches.