Top foreign influence scandals of 2024 rock US politics

An article by Responsible Statecraft delves into the extensive foreign influence operations that took place in the United States throughout 2024, revealing a deeply troubling intersection of foreign powers, lobbying, and U.S. politics.

Despite a significant uptick in illicit foreign influence campaigns, the article also highlights the legal loopholes that allow foreign governments to exert their influence in U.S. policy-making with little to no accountability. Below is a breakdown and analysis of key points from the article.

The article opens with a stark assessment of the sheer volume of foreign money pouring into the U.S. political system in 2024. The significant lobbying and public relations campaigns funded by allies like Japan and Australia, as well as adversaries such as China, have led to a landscape where foreign powers can shape U.S. foreign policy to their advantage. However, despite extensive coverage of these lobbying efforts, mainstream media largely ignored the perfectly legal system that enables this influence.

In contrast, illicit foreign influence operations garnered considerable media attention, especially as several high-profile figures faced legal consequences for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Notable among them was the conviction of Pras Michél, a former Fugees star, for engaging in an illicit influence campaign on behalf of Chinese interests. The article also points to the growing concern around foreign meddling in U.S. elections, with at least a dozen individuals indicted or convicted in 2024 for violations related to foreign influence.

The author proceeds to highlight the top five foreign influence scandals of the year. These include the indictment of think-tanker Sue Mi Terry for unregistered foreign agent activities linked to South Korea, and the Israeli government's covert efforts to silence critics and influence U.S. lawmakers on the Gaza conflict. The failure of the U.S. government to take action against these operations is cited as an example of how foreign meddling is often brushed aside when it involves "friendly" nations.

One of the more alarming incidents discussed is the case of Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), who faced bribery and foreign influence charges after allegedly accepting bribes from Azerbaijani interests. The article criticizes the lack of accountability for elected officials who engage in such practices, noting that Cuellar was re-elected despite these serious charges. Another prominent case is that of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted for illicit ties to Turkey and other foreign governments. Adams’ legal troubles are emblematic of a broader pattern of foreign influence, which has even reached the highest levels of U.S. politics.

Finally, the article concludes with the case of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), whose conviction for accepting bribes from foreign governments, including gold bars and cash, encapsulated the most extreme example of foreign corruption in U.S. politics. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez had significant sway over foreign policy, making his actions particularly egregious. The article humorously notes that Menendez’s attempt to value his gold bar via Google was a clear sign of his ineptitude in handling his corrupt dealings, adding an ironic twist to a scandal that rocked the U.S. political establishment.

The article ultimately underscores the pervasive nature of foreign influence in U.S. politics, both legal and illicit, and points to the lack of meaningful reforms to address this issue. The "lessons" offered in each of the top five scandals serve as a sardonic critique of the U.S. political system’s failure to curb foreign interference and hold its own officials accountable. The piece is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in the U.S. political landscape and the significant power that foreign governments wield in shaping American foreign policy and domestic politics.

By Vugar Khalilov