States Enact New Foreign Influence Laws as Federal Enforcement Shifts

Uncertainty around FARA enforcement leads states to pass their own versions of foreign influence disclosure laws

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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With the Department of Justice narrowing its focus on FARA enforcement in the early days of the second Trump administration, multiple states have stepped in to enact their own versions of foreign influence disclosure laws. These state-level statutes, often referred to as "FARA-lite," require registration by individuals and organizations with ties to designated "foreign adversary" nations like China, Russia, and Iran, even if their activities don't rise to the level of traditional lobbying or political advocacy.

Why it matters

The patchwork of state laws, with varying definitions and exemptions, creates significant compliance challenges for businesses and organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions. Failure to register under these new state statutes can result in civil and criminal penalties, making it critical for any entity with foreign connections to closely examine its activities and relationships.

The details

While the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) has traditionally been the primary federal law used to combat foreign influence in U.S. politics, the Department of Justice under the second Trump administration narrowed its enforcement priorities. In response, over 20 states have enacted their own foreign influence disclosure laws, often with broader definitions of covered activities and relationships than the federal FARA statute. These state laws generally require registration by individuals and organizations that interact with or receive funding from designated "foreign adversary" nations, even if their activities don't rise to the level of traditional lobbying or political advocacy covered by FARA.

  • In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo limiting DOJ's FARA enforcement priorities.
  • In September 2025, President Trump issued NSPM-7, which directed the DOJ to investigate "non-governmental organizations and American citizens" for FARA violations.
  • By December 2025, several states including Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Nebraska had enacted their own foreign influence disclosure laws.

The players

Department of Justice

The federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing FARA, the primary law governing foreign influence in U.S. politics.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who, in 2025, issued a memo narrowing the DOJ's FARA enforcement priorities.

President Trump

The president who, in 2025, issued NSPM-7, which directed the DOJ to investigate potential FARA violations as part of a broader crackdown on domestic terrorism.

Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Nebraska

States that enacted their own foreign influence disclosure laws by the end of 2025 in response to the shifting federal enforcement landscape.

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What they’re saying

“A new law enforcement strategy that investigates all participants in these criminal and terroristic conspiracies — including the organized structures, networks, entities, organizations, funding sources, and predicate actions behind them — is required.”

— President Trump (National Security Presidential Memorandum /NSPM-7)

What’s next

As states continue to enact new foreign influence disclosure laws, businesses and organizations with any foreign ties will need to closely monitor the evolving legal landscape and ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

The takeaway

The patchwork of state-level foreign influence laws, combined with the shifting federal enforcement priorities, creates significant compliance challenges for entities with international connections. Proactive risk assessment and a thorough understanding of applicable laws will be critical to avoid potential civil and criminal penalties.