Trump Halts Enforcement of U.S. Law Against Bribery of Foreign Officials
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to cease prosecuting Americans accused of bribing foreign officials to secure business deals.
The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to suspend enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 until she issues revised guidelines aimed at enhancing American competitiveness.
“Future FCPA investigations and enforcement actions will be governed by this new guidance and must be approved by the attorney general,” the executive order states.
According to the White House, the FCPA puts American businesses at a disadvantage compared to international competitors that engage in similar practices. Officials argue that stringent enforcement of the law creates an uneven playing field, ultimately harming U.S. economic and national security interests.
“American national security depends on our companies gaining strategic commercial advantages worldwide. President Trump is curbing excessive and unpredictable FCPA enforcement that undermines U.S. competitiveness,” a White House factsheet, cited by Reuters, stated.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from anti-corruption advocates. Transparency International, a leading watchdog group, warned that the move could weaken global anti-bribery efforts.
Gary Kalman, executive director of Transparency International U.S., condemned the order, calling it a significant step backward. “This diminishes—and could ultimately dismantle—the crown jewel in America’s fight against global corruption,” he said in a statement.
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