Trump Administration Ends Task Force Targeting Assets of Russian Oligarchs

The Trump administration's Justice Department has terminated a program from the Biden era that sought to seize the assets of Russian oligarchs as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that resources will now prioritize dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The Justice Department has redirected its enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act to concentrate on combating traditional espionage rather than registration infractions. Despite this move, officials such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have advocated for tougher sanctions on Russian oil, criticizing the Biden administration's strategy as not being strong enough.