In Donald Trump’s vision, the plan to dismantle the federal bureaucracy, coordinated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was intended to make public administration more efficient, ultimately benefiting the entire nation. However, to date, another country has reaped the greatest rewards – Russia.
Trump’s actions, whether presented as “pro-business” or aimed at reducing “overregulation,” appear to directly serve the Kremlin’s interests, weakening Washington’s ability to defend itself against foreign interference, cyberattacks, and corrupt infiltration. Below are the key areas where Russian interests intertwine with Trump’s policies.
The Dismantling of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)
In early February, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi officially announced the dissolution of the “Foreign Influence Task Force,” the unit responsible for overseeing violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The law was designed to ensure transparency and require registration for those lobbying on behalf of foreign governments, including Russia.
Bondi claimed the move was aimed at “freeing up resources to address more urgent priorities.” Yet, the decision seems to make the U.S. system even more vulnerable to foreign pressure. FARA was intended to protect the U.S. from disinformation, corruption, and political maneuvering. With a reduction in oversight, Trump’s policies inadvertently make it easier for Russian agents, oligarchs, and influencers to operate without accountability.
The Dismantling of KleptoCapture
Bondi also announced the disbandment of KleptoCapture, a task force launched in 2022 to track and seize assets belonging to Russian oligarchs targeted by sanctions.
Through this unit, investigators had successfully prosecuted Putin-friendly oligarchs such as Oleg Deripaska and Konstantin Malofeyev. Without it, however, Putin’s inner circle can more easily conceal its vast wealth, continuing to fund Kremlin operations, including the war in Ukraine.
The End of Investigations Into Foreign Interference
Another key move was the shutdown of the FBI unit tasked with investigating foreign interference in U.S. elections.
Created in response to Russian propaganda efforts in the 2016 elections, the unit’s mission was to combat disinformation and electoral manipulation. With the White House’s order to “free up resources” for other priorities, Moscow now has more room to operate. This includes spreading fake news, funding political groups, and potentially influencing election outcomes.
The Downsize of USAID
Trump’s administration also targeted USAID, the agency responsible for providing economic aid and promoting democracy in countries like Ukraine, Moldova, and the Balkans—regions long in the crosshairs of Russian influence. By closing or reducing the agency’s operations, Trump weakened these nations’ resistance capabilities, making it easier for Putin to destabilize regions once under Soviet control.
Greenlighting Money Laundering
Another pivotal move was the suspension of a key anti-money laundering regulation that required shell companies to disclose their ultimate beneficial owners.
Part of the Corporate Transparency Act championed by President Biden to combat money laundering and tax evasion, the regulation was rescinded in early February by the Trump administration. The change allows not only criminal organizations but also Russian oligarchs to continue operating with minimal oversight. Despite its consequences, Trump hailed it as a victory against Biden’s regulatory oppression.”
The Reduction of Cybersecurity Resources
Finally, Trump slashed the budget for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the entity responsible for safeguarding critical U.S. infrastructure, including election systems. Personnel cuts and the suspension of cyber threat monitoring activities now put the nation’s defenses at significant risk, particularly against external attacks from countries like Russia.
In sum, the current administration seems to have handed Russia exactly what it wanted: fewer controls, more maneuvering room, and reduced sanctions. “It would be naive to think the Kremlin won’t take the signal,” warns Larry Norden of the Brennan Center for Justice. For Putin, it’s a golden opportunity. For the United States, it may prove a dangerous strategic gamble.
