Political influence is both more subtle and more shocking than the popular caricature of "bribing a Congressman." American politics is far more sophisticated than that. Here, you don't just write a check to get the decision you want, at least not typically. You do things like convince an entire state that an industry that damages their health and their land is actually a crucial part of their culture, history, and heritage, and that anyone who wants to reign it in are an existential threat to their community. That's the kind of influence that a nosey prosecutor will never be able to pin on anyone.
Of course trying to ruin a company by bribing government officials to begin a witch hunt investigation is wrong if you stand to profit billions of dollars from that witch hunt.
Given the enormous profit he'll realize if he's successful in discrediting Herbalife, I can easily discount all of his other arguments as BS. He has no credibility in the matter if billions are at stake.
Note that I'm not defending Herbalife. Maybe they are scammy company that should be investigated and regulated more by the government - by that investigation shouldn't happen because a billionaire starts buying politicians, lobbyists and "non-profit" lapdog organizations.
US government already has established channel for complaining about unethical companies: Better Business Bureau. They don't need manufactured complaints.
The BBB is a private organization with nothing to do with the government. Some would say the BBB is a protection racket.