Investigation Healthcare Pharma February 12, 2026 | 4 min read | Politics

Akin Gump’s Back-to-Back Lobbying Filings for Palau and Marshall Islands Signal Intensified Foreign Influence Push

Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, one of the largest lobbying and law firms in the United States, filed a series of Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) disclosures in late January and early February 2026, documenting its simultaneous lobbying efforts for both the Republic of Palau and the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Within just five days, the firm submitted a supplemental statement and then informational materials for each foreign government, signaling a concentrated and potentially coordinated campaign to influence U.S. policy on behalf of these Pacific island nationsThis pattern is not isolated. Akin Gump has a documented history of representing foreign governments in Washington, but the close timing and dual representation of two strategically situated Pacific nations—both with significant U.S. military and economic ties—raise new questions about the scope and urgency of their lobbying objectivesThe filings come at a time when U.S. policymakers are increasingly focused on Pacific security and foreign aid, amplifying the stakes of such advocacy. At issue is the transparency and accountability of foreign influence in shaping U.S. decisions that affect billions in aid, military posture, and regional alliances. The compressed timeline and overlapping interests of Palau and the Marshall Islands highlight the need for public scrutiny of how foreign governments seek to steer American policy through high-powered legal intermediaries.

Key Players
3 entities involved
Bias
Balanced Coverage
Analysis
7 evidence items
Akin Gump’s Back-to-Back Lobbying Filings for Palau and Marshall Islands Signal Intensified Foreign Influence Push

What This Means For You

These back-to-back FARA filings by Akin Gump underscore the persistent and sophisticated efforts of foreign governments to shape U.S. policy from behind the scenes. With the Republic of Palau and the Marshall Islands both receiving substantial U.S. federal contracts and aid, the stakes involve not just diplomatic relations but also the allocation of taxpayer dollars and the direction of American strategic interests in the Pacific. As Congress and federal agencies weigh decisions on defense, climate, and economic support, understanding who is lobbying whom—and for what—is critical to ensuring democratic accountability and safeguarding national interests.

Full Investigation

Key Insights

  • Akin Gump filed a supplemental FARA statement on January 30, 2026, detailing lobbying for both Palau and the Marshall Islands
  • On February 4, 2026, Akin Gump submitted informational materials for both governments, indicating ongoing and possibly urgent advocacy
  • The filings for both countries occurred within a five-day window, suggesting a coordinated push
  • The Republic of Palau and the Marshall Islands are both recipients of significant U.S. federal contracts and support
  • Akin Gump is a registered foreign agent for both governments under FARA Registration #3492
Evidence & Sources (7)
fara Pending

Akin Gump is registered as a foreign agent for the Republic of Palau under FARA Registration #3492, providing lobbying and advisory services to influence U.S. policy on behalf of Palau.

"Akin Gump filed informational materials for the Republic of Palau and disclosed its role as a registered foreign agent."
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fara Pending

Akin Gump is registered as a foreign agent for the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands under FARA Registration #3492, providing lobbying and advisory services to influence U.S. policy on behalf of the Marshall Islands.

"Akin Gump filed informational materials for the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and disclosed its role as a registered foreign agent."
View Original Document
fara Pending

Akin Gump conducted lobbying activities in the U.S. on behalf of the Republic of Palau, including filing supplemental statements and informational materials under FARA.

"Supplemental statement and informational materials filed by Akin Gump for the Republic of Palau."
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fara Pending

Akin Gump conducted lobbying activities in the U.S. on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including filing supplemental statements and informational materials under FARA.

"Supplemental statement and informational materials filed by Akin Gump for the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands."
View Original Document
fara Pending

Akin Gump is registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) as a foreign agent for multiple foreign principals, including Palau and the Marshall Islands.

"Akin Gump's FARA Registration #3492 details its foreign agent status."
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fara Pending

The Republic of Palau contracted Akin Gump, requiring registration under FARA for lobbying activities in the U.S.

"Palau is listed as a foreign principal in Akin Gump's FARA filings."
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fara Pending

The Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands contracted Akin Gump, requiring registration under FARA for lobbying activities in the U.S.

"Marshall Islands is listed as a foreign principal in Akin Gump's FARA filings."
View Original Document