Trump's Controversial Move: Halting Prosecution for Bribery Abroad to Boost Business

US President Donald Trump has taken a bold step by halting the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a law that has prohibited American companies from bribing foreign officials for almost five decades. In a recent executive order, Trump claims that this move will significantly enhance business opportunities for US firms, stating, “It’s going to mean a lot more business for America.”

This law, designed to fight global corruption, has come under fire from Trump, who labeled it a ‘horrible law’ and suggested that it has created an uneven playing field for US companies competing internationally. The White House argues that the law’s “over-expansive” enforcement hampers American economic advancement by constraining routine business practices common in other nations.

The anti-corruption organization, Transparency International, criticized Trump’s decision, expressing concern that it weakens essential measures in the battle against global corruption. Previous cases under the FCPA included high-profile firms like Goldman Sachs and Glencore, both of which faced significant penalties for bribery offenses.

Additionally, on the same day Trump’s order was signed, the US Justice Department instructed federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has been accused of accepting illegal campaign funds.

Trump’s administration appears to be reorienting the focus of US trade practices, favoring increased business dealings abroad over stringent anti-corruption enforcement, while simultaneously reviewing current and past actions related to the FCPA. This pivot could potentially signal a shift in how the US engages in international business, raising concerns about the integrity of global commerce.