The Republic of the Congo has hired Michael Sullivan and Kimberly West of the Ashcroft Law Firm to lobby Congress and the Trump administration, work on "media outreach and strategy" and seek the support of thought leaders and think tanks, according to a Justice Department filing. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft, the firm's founder, hasn't registered to do any work for the country. The contract is worth $75,000 a month.
Foreign governments (as well as individuals and corporations) often pay think tanks both directly and indirectly (through lobbying firms, law firms, and consulting firms) to influence their work and help shape policy and perceptions.