Pam Bondi’s past position as lobbyist for Qatar revealed: This was reportedly her six-figure salary
Pam Bondi’s salary, partly from her lobbying for Qatar, complicates the question of accepting a $400 million gift from the country.
Before being selected as US Attorney General, Pam Bondi worked as a lobbyist on behalf of the government of Qatar. The Middle Eastern country is one that President Donald Trump will visit during his first international trip of his second term.
What does it mean to be registered as a foreign agent?
Bondi was registered as a foreign agent for Qatar between 2020 and 2022, as the country was preparing to host the World Cup.
What does it mean to be registered as a foreign agent?
Under US law, namely the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (often referred to as FARA), anyone in the US "acting on behalf of a foreign principal" is required to register that information with the government.
A foreign principal, according to the Justice Department, "can be a foreign government, a foreign political party, any person outside the United States (except U.S. citizens who are domiciled within the United States), and any entity organized under the laws of a foreign country or having its principal place of business in a foreign country."
Registration is necessary as these individuals are expected to use their position to influence the US government on behalf of their principal.
Those who fail to register under FARA can be jailed or fined, depending on the severity of the case.
How much money did Pam Bondi make as a lobbyist for Qatar?
Newsweek reported that during her time as a partner at Ballard Partners, a firm known for lobbying in DC, Bondi’s name appeared on documents related to the firm’s filings with the Department of Justice.
Snopes has clarified that although Ballad Partners received around $115,000 a month from Qatar while Bondi was registered, it is unclear how much, if any, of this sum was paid to the current US attorney general.
The fact-checking outlet confirmed that in a July 2019 contract between Ballard Partners and the Embassy of Qatar, Bondi was listed as a “key person” and that for the length of the agreement, July 2019 and June 2022, the firm was to be paid a $115,000 consulting fee each month. During her Senate confirmation, Bondi admitted that she and other Ballard partners were working with Qatar and did not provide information on the total she was paid.
Bondi explained that she was brought on to work on issues related to human trafficking in the lead up to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The government of Qatar was accused of illegal and inhumane labor practices to build and host the international championship. The Guardian, and many other outlets, reported on passport confiscation cases by employers, a practice made illegal in the lead up to the World Cup, as a legal reform following reports of the labor conditions that emerged.
Even Republicans on Capitol Hill don’t like the smell of Qatar’s ‘gift’
The Justice Department, led by Bondi, may form part of the legal evaluation of whether President Trump or the federal government can accept the aircraft. Bondi’s past connections to Qatar raise questions of impartiality, but any decision made by the administration could be challenged. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) highlighted the conflict of interest in a post on X on Tuesday, May 13.
Let me get this straight.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 13, 2025
Pam Bondi was a highly paid lobbyist for Qatar.
As AG, she’s dismantled DOJ’s enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
And then signed off on the Qatar deal.
Unreal.
I’m announcing a hold on DOJ’s political nominees until we get answers.
The aircraft has been valued at $400 million, and even Republicans on Capitol Hill don’t like the smell of the deal. Axios reported that Kentucky Senator Rand Paul said as much to reporters. “I don’t think it looks good or smells good,” said that GOP senator, adding that the gift would likely be unconstitutional.
“I think it’s not worth the appearance of impropriety. Whether it’s improper or not, I don’t think it’s worth it‚" explained the Kentucky leader.
Senator Paul was far from the only member of the Republican caucus to raise doubts, with West Virginia’s Shelly Moore Capito concerned about security issues, such as listening devices.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley preferred to see a replacement for Air Force One made in America.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names