(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In a highly controversial decision, Donald Trump is once again breaking new ground with his plan to pause the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a key anti-bribery law, thus practically giving a thumbs-up to bribery.
See the tweet below!
The president has issued an executive order set to reshape how American businesses compete internationally by leveling a playing field critics argue has disadvantaged them.
The FCPA, established in 1977, aims to curb U.S.-linked companies from bribing foreign officials to gain business advantages.
In 1998, it was expanded to hold foreign businesses accountable for similar misconduct.
Trump’s order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to halt FCPA prosecutions and reassess the Department of Justice’s actions, arguing that the law’s overenforcement harms U.S. competitiveness.
Donald Trump has long been a critic of the FCPA, once describing it as a “horrible law.”
His new executive order reflects this longstanding belief, as it aligns enforcement with national security and economic interests.
A White House official confirmed the pause aims to better understand how to streamline the FCPA to ensure it aids rather than hampers American businesses in strategic sectors such as critical minerals and infrastructure.
Trump’s order proposes adjustments that demand future FCPA investigations receive approval from the attorney general.
Critics fear these changes could dilute the law’s effectiveness, potentially allowing corporate misconduct to go unchecked under looser guidelines.
Yet, supporters claim it will alleviate burdens on businesses from practices considered standard by international competitors.
As Trump attempts to reclaim assets like the lease on their D.C. hotel, this act could open doors to more lucrative foreign business deals.
Although some argue it may personally benefit Trump, the administration justifies it as crucial for safeguarding American interests.
The recent Justice Department reports underline the FCPA’s vigorous application, with 26 enforcement actions in 2024 alone, indicating a need for reform.
“American national security depends on America and its companies gaining strategic commercial advantages around the world, and President Trump is stopping excessive, unpredictable FCPA enforcement that makes American companies less competitive,” reads a White House fact sheet, cited by AOL.
Attorney General Bondi will craft new guidelines for FCPA enforcement as all current and past cases undergo review.
This pause signals a mindset shift in the government, acknowledging that global business dynamics have evolved.
This change could redefine how U.S. companies operate internationally while sparking debates about legal ethics and American diplomatic influence.
The broader implications of this executive order are unfolding. While questions remain about its potential impact on Trump’s business interests, the claim that FCPA overenforcement has been detrimental to U.S. firms resonates powerfully.
Trump’s approach might indeed embolden American companies to engage on par with global counterparts, reducing bureaucracy yet raising ethical considerations.
How quickly the tables turn.
President Trump has frozen all existing FCPA investigations pending further review.
Now the erstwhile DOJ prosecutors will be answerable for targeting an Indian Conglomerate, on the basis of fraudulent material. pic.twitter.com/lpRxy7tYdr
— Jai Anant Dehadrai (@jai_a_dehadrai) February 11, 2025
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