Trump Just Made Corruption Easier For Himself—Twice.

The Trump administration is taking steps that could redefine the boundaries between public service and private profit. The implications? A growing entanglement between government policy and the Trump Organization’s financial interests—one that should concern every American who values transparency and accountability.

Last Month: A Convenient Shift in Ethics Policy

The Trump Organization quietly revised its ethics agreement, lifting a restriction that previously barred it from engaging in foreign business deals. Under this new arrangement, while transactions with foreign governments remain off-limits, the company is now free to strike deals with private foreign entities. This distinction may seem minor on the surface, but in practice, it creates a lucrative gray area: foreign corporations—many of which are deeply intertwined with their governments—can now do business with Trump’s company, potentially wielding influence over U.S. policy in the process.

As AP News reported, this rollback of restrictions marks a stark departure from Trump’s first term, during which he publicly touted a total ban on foreign deals. That self-imposed safeguard is now gone.

Today: The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Takes a Hit

Just as the Trump Organization reopens its doors to foreign business, Trump is now poised to weaken the very law designed to prevent corruption in international dealings. According to Reuters, the President is set to sign an executive order halting enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)—a landmark anti-bribery law that has, for decades, prohibited U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials in exchange for business advantages.

The official justification? The administration claims the FCPA puts American businesses at a “competitive disadvantage” on the global stage. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been instructed to reassess enforcement policies and develop new guidelines—during which time, ongoing FCPA cases will be frozen.

The Dangerous Convergence of Business and Policy

Individually, each of these moves raises eyebrows. Together, they paint an alarming picture.

By lifting restrictions on the Trump Organization’s foreign dealings and gutting anti-bribery enforcement, the administration is creating a perfect storm for corruption. Foreign entities now have a clear pathway to seek favorable treatment—whether through direct business ties with Trump’s company or via influence-peddling unchecked by FCPA regulations.

The consequences are staggering:

🔴 Erosion of U.S. credibility: America has long championed ethical business practices worldwide. A weakened FCPA signals to both allies and adversaries that corruption is now tolerable—if not encouraged.

🔴 Compromised national security: When foreign actors can financially engage with a sitting president’s private business, the risk of policy being dictated by profit—not national interest—becomes dangerously real.

🔴 An invitation for corruption: With anti-bribery enforcement on hold, there is little to prevent unethical actors from exploiting this newfound regulatory loophole to gain influence at the highest levels of government.

This Is a Moment for Vigilance

Whether you support Trump or not, these developments should give every American pause. The integrity of U.S. governance depends on clear lines between public service and private gain. If those lines disappear, we risk not only undermining democratic institutions but also allowing foreign interests to dictate the future of the country.

Are you paying attention? Because the stakes couldn’t be higher.