US Justice Department, FBI dismantle foreign election interference teams

The Trump administration has taken significant steps to dismantle federal efforts aimed at combating foreign interference in U.S. elections, alarming election security experts. New Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the disbandment of the FBI's Foreign Influence Task Force, which was established in 2017 to address increasing threats from foreign adversaries such as Russia and China. This decision is part of a broader reorientation of the Department of Justice, which will now focus on combating drug cartels while sidelining efforts against foreign influence, including the enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Critics argue this move signals a retreat from safeguarding democratic processes, potentially inviting greater foreign meddling in U.S. elections. Supporters of the decision claim it will prevent government overreach and protect against perceived abuses of prosecutorial discretion. The changes have raised concerns among both Democratic and Republican election officials about the future integrity of U.S. elections.