— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 23, 2025
under U.S. law, it is illegal to act as an agent of a foreign government without proper disclosure—and doing so while holding public office raises serious constitutional and criminal concerns.
Here’s the legal backbone:
- 18 U.S. Code § 951 makes it a federal crime to act in the United States as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General. Violators can face up to 10 years in prison.
- The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals acting on behalf of a “foreign principal” to register with the Department of Justice. This includes anyone seeking to influence U.S. policy or public opinion on behalf of a foreign entity.
- The Emoluments Clauses of the U.S. Constitution prohibit federal official including the President from accepting gifts, payments, or titles from foreign governments without congressional approval. Violations can trigger lawsuits, investigations, and impeachment proceedings.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/951
https://www.justice.gov/nsd-fara/frequently-asked-questions
https://www.cov.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/2018/01/the-foreign-agents-registration-act-fara
https://www.usconstitution.net/emoluments-clause-presidential-business/
