**Foreign Lobbyists' Contributions Influence 2024 Campaigns, Analysis Shows**

The Trump campaign recently lodged a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging foreign interference in the 2024 Presidential Election through purported illegal contributions by the U.K. Labour Party to Harris for President. These claims, vehemently denied by both the U.K. Labour Party and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, remain unconfirmed. However, a CBS News analysis has uncovered significant contributions from lobbying firms and individual lobbyists registered as foreign agents, funneling millions into both Republican and Democratic campaigns this election cycle.

Registered foreign agents and lobbyists legally finance political campaigns in the United States, as long as they are legal permanent residents adhering to FEC-imposed limits. During the 2020 election cycle, over $33.5 million in political contributions came from such entities, according to OpenSecrets. Despite this legality, campaign finance experts highlight potential loopholes that may allow foreign interests to unduly influence American politics, underscoring the volume and strategic direction of these donations.

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck exemplifies this trend, with $17 million in revenue in the third quarter of 2024 and nearly $1.3 million in fees from foreign governments, predominantly from Saudi Arabia. The firm has donated approximately $2.4 million to political candidates, with 56% going to GOP affiliates and 42% to Democrats. Key donors include Nadeam A. Elshami, a former chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi, who has significantly supported senior Democratic figures.

Lobbying firm Ballard Partners has also become a notable contributor, receiving $375,000 from foreign governments this year, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Brian Ballard, the firm's Republican megadonor, has donated substantial amounts to both Republican and Democratic causes, most notably around $250,000 each to the Republican National Committee and Trump 47 Committee PAC.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld reported $5.5 million in earnings from foreign government clients in 2024, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia as significant contributors. The firm has distributed $2.7 million in political donations, benefitting both major parties. Contributions include sizable amounts to the Democratic Senatorial Committee, Kamala Harris campaign, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

BGR Group's significant client funding from Qatar, totaling $288,621 for 2024, has led to nearly $2 million in campaign contributions. Republican Senator Roger Wicker, a critical figure in the Senate Armed Services Committee, has notably received $29,532 from these contributions.

Recent high-profile cases involving lawmakers like former Senator Robert Menendez and Representative Henry Cuellar highlight these practices' potential pitfalls. Despite numerous legislative attempts to reform lobbying regulations, such efforts have largely failed, often stalled by those benefiting most from the current system. Campaign finance expert Casey Michel articulates the irony, pointing out that bills to tighten regulations have continually stumbled, often hindered by influential figures with vested interests.

The complex interplay between foreign lobbying contributions and campaign financing remains a contentious topic, as lawmakers, lobbyists, and foreign interests continue to navigate these murky waters ahead of the 2024 elections.