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Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Anti-Corruption Rollbacks

Recent Justice Department actions, including dropped charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, have raised concerns about weakening U.S. anti-corruption safeguards.

US President Donald Trump speaks after Pam Bondi was sworn in as US Attorney General in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 5, 2025.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House on Feb. 12, 2025.
President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 10, 2025.

Overview

  • The Trump administration has halted investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and scaled back enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
  • Federal prosecutors resigned after refusing to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has denied wrongdoing.
  • Critics allege the administration's actions signal leniency toward corruption, potentially undermining decades of bipartisan anti-corruption efforts.
  • The Justice Department has disbanded units targeting foreign kleptocracy and election interference, reallocating resources to immigration enforcement.
  • Trump's executive orders and pardons, including for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, have drawn accusations of politicizing anti-corruption measures.