DOJ Ends Pfizer Bribery Probe Amidst Scrutiny Over AG Pam Bondi's Past Ties

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly concluded its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation into pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, a decision drawing significant attention due to Attorney General Pam Bondi's prior legal representation of the company. The investigation, which centered on alleged bribery in Pfizer's operations in China and Mexico, was no longer referenced in Pfizer's financial filings after Bondi assumed office in February 2025.

Concerns have been raised regarding the timing of the investigation's closure. Just days after her confirmation, Attorney General Bondi issued a directive to narrow the scope of FCPA enforcement, prioritizing cases linked to transnational criminal organizations and national security over other corporate bribery matters. This was followed by an executive order from President Trump pausing new FCPA investigations.

Prior to her appointment as Attorney General, Pam Bondi served as "Of Counsel" for the law firm Panza, Maurer & Maynard, where Pfizer was her sole listed client. According to public financial disclosures, Bondi received $203,738 from the firm, with the tweet content directly stating, "Bondi was paid $203,000 from Pfizer for legal work, through a shell agreement with another law firm where Pfizer was her only client." The DOJ has stated that Bondi's work for Pfizer was a "Florida-specific legal matter" unrelated to FCPA guidance.

However, consumer advocacy groups, including Public Citizen, have voiced strong concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, emphasized the importance of elected officials being "above reproach ethically" and ensuring they "don’t have any conflicts of interest." The organization had previously requested an oversight hearing into Bondi's Pfizer connections.

The abrupt termination of the Pfizer investigation, along with similar actions in other corporate cases, signals a notable shift in the DOJ's enforcement priorities under the new administration. Critics suggest a broader pattern of easing up on corporate white-collar crime investigations, raising questions about the independence and impartiality of federal law enforcement. The tweet author, Adam Cochran, highlighted the suddenness of the case being dropped, stating, "Not saying that Pfizer is innocent, just suddenly dropping the case."