Trouble Prosecuting Trump Allies Signifies DOJ's Difficulties In Prosecuting Non-Traditional Foreign Influence Cases

Despite the broad language of the Espionage Act, the DOJ has faced significant hurdles in pursuing prosecutions outside the traditional espionage context, and particularly where the alleged foreign agent's activity involves ostensibly legitimate international business dealings.

11 minute read January 01, 2023 at 12:09 AM
By
Robert J. Anello and Richard F. Albert
Trouble Prosecuting Trump Allies Signifies DOJ's Difficulties In Prosecuting Non-Traditional Foreign Influence Cases

The recent acquittal in the Eastern District of New York of Thomas Barrack, a longtime friend and ally of former President Donald Trump, who was accused of acting as an unlawful agent of the UAE to influence Trump's decision-making, is only the latest example of the DOJ's difficulties successfully prosecuting cases of non-traditional foreign influence in U.S. affairs.

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