In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to cease the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a law that prohibits American companies from bribing foreign officials. The announcement was made during a press event in the Oval Office on February 10, 2025.
Trump described the FCPA, which has been in place since 1978, as a “disaster for this country,” arguing that it hinders American businesses from making deals overseas. “It hurts the country. And many, many deals are unable to be made because of it. Nobody wants to do business because they don’t want to feel like every time they pick up a phone, they’re going to jail,” he said.
The President’s directive orders Attorney General Pam Bondi to pause the enforcement of the FCPA until new guidelines are established. This move has raised concerns among ethics advocates, who argue that it could lead to increased corruption and unfair competitive practices in international trade.
According to a White House fact sheet, the administration believes that U.S. companies are at a disadvantage compared to foreign competitors who may engage in bribery as part of their business practices. The statement indicated that current and past applications of the FCPA would be reviewed, potentially impacting ongoing investigations.
In addition to this order, Trump announced he would pardon former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption for attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat. This decision comes amid a broader trend of Trump taking steps to weaken various ethics enforcement mechanisms since returning to office.
As the nation watches these developments unfold, the implications for American businesses and international relations remain to be seen.
Stay connected with Newspot Nigeria for the latest updates on this evolving story.
Source: The Independent
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