Trump Administration Reduces Anti-Corruption Efforts, Experts Warn

Under President Donald Trump's administration, there has been a significant rollback of anti-corruption measures, raising concerns among experts and former officials about a potential surge in corruption. Trump's recent actions include signing an executive order pausing investigations into U.S. companies engaged in foreign corruption and pardoning former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a move seen as emblematic of his administration's approach. Legal defense teams for corporate executives facing bribery charges have begun pressing the Justice Department to dismiss cases, capitalizing on the administration's new stance. The Justice Department has also disbanded initiatives targeting foreign bribery and fired veteran prosecutors, which critics argue aligns law enforcement with Trump's political agenda. This shift marks a departure from decades of bipartisan support for anti-corruption efforts, prompting fears of politicized prosecutions and a compromised justice system. Observers note that these changes threaten the integrity of U.S. law enforcement and could undermine public trust in government institutions.