Tom Barrack's legal troubles as an alleged UAE agent

Tom Barrack, former chairman of Donald Trump's inaugural committee, has been indicted for allegedly acting as an agent of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and seeking to influence the Trump administration. While the indictment does not explicitly detail financial transactions, it is not a statutory requirement to show payment in Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) violations. The First Amendment does not guarantee immunity for advocating on behalf of another country, but FARA forces agents to register their activities. The Biden administration's recent push to combat vaccine misinformation by social media platforms raises First Amendment questions as well, as platforms maintain the right to moderate content but cannot be compelled to base their decisions on partisan interests. Mo Brooks, an Alabama congressman facing a lawsuit accusing him of inciting the January 6 Capitol riot, has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to defend him, claiming that his actions were part of his role as a government employee. The request highlights the blurred line between campaign events and official duties, but it is inconsistent with established case law. The argument reflects a policy preference that could lead to a surge of lawsuits targeting statements made during campaigns. The op-ed's mention of the Constitution not being a suicide pact implies a disregard for constitutional principles when faced with perceived absurd outcomes, rather than advocating for legal amendments or proper adherence to the law.