Saudi Arabia spends $27 million on U.S. lobbying amid Khashoggi murder and Yemen war criticism

Saudi Arabia dramatically expands its U.S. lobbying operation after 2015, especially following the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The kingdom discloses around $125 million in spending on U.S. influence campaigns from 2015-2025, hiring at least 145 registered lobbyists. Twenty-nine FARA-registered firms represent Saudi Arabia, carrying out more than 2,500 political contacts including reaching members of Congress and media outlets to push a pro-Saudi narrative. The lobbying aims to block the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act and counter criticism over the Yemen war, Qatar blockade, and human rights issues.