Adams case and other Trump moves threaten to open corruption floodgates, experts say

Summary

Trump has weakened U.S. anti-corruption safeguards, alarming experts.

He paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, limited prosecutions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and dismantled a DOJ unit targeting kleptocrats.

Trump also pardoned convicted ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich and ordered corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams to be dropped, prompting DOJ resignations.

Watchdogs warn these moves signal an open door for corruption.