DOJ Revives FARA Rewrite in 644-Page Notice as Blanche Signals Broader Civil Enforcement
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 20
DOJ Revives FARA Rewrite in 644-Page Notice as Blanche Signals Broader Civil Enforcement
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 20
Summary
A 644-page DOJ document says the department is considering a final FARA rule adopting many, but not all, proposals floated in January 2025—the clearest sign yet the rewrite effort is back.
The changes would target long-debated exemptions, especially the commercial carveout and possibly tourism promotion, while also updating disclosure rules for digital informational materials.
Todd Blanche’s move marks a break from former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said on Day 1 that FARA charges would be limited to conduct resembling traditional espionage by foreign government actors.
Lawyers and lobbyists say the lack of detail leaves K Street guessing, with nonprofits also watching whether the rule narrows leeway the Biden-era proposal had suggested for them.
The notice suggests the Trump administration is not abandoning civil FARA enforcement, even as DOJ says the rewrite would clarify ambiguities, modernize rules and reduce regulatory burdens.