The US Suspends FCPA anti-corruption investigations for 180 days
The President of the United States has signed an executive order temporarily restricting the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), citing threats to the country’s economic security.
Photo: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0
The President has issued an order imposing a six-month moratorium on new investigations and cases under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), as reported on the White House website.
Enacted in 1977, this law is designed to combat bribery by American companies abroad. However, according to the administration, its current enforcement hinders the country’s foreign policy interests.
Under the order, the U.S. Attorney General will conduct a 180-day review of the principles guiding FCPA investigations and prosecutions.
During this period, no new cases will be initiated, and existing investigations will undergo review. Exceptions will only be made at the personal discretion of the head of the Department of Justice.
The White House justified this measure as necessary to protect national security and the global competitiveness of American businesses.
Officials argue that excessive oversight of commercial activities abroad creates barriers to strategically important deals, including access to critical resources and infrastructure.
If the review finds that previously initiated cases exceeded the reasonable application of FCPA, the Department of Justice will take corrective actions. The moratorium may be extended for another 180 days if the Attorney General deems it appropriate.
Earlier, it was reported that a scandal is unfolding in the U.S.: unions representing diplomats and USAID employees have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, demanding the reversal of the agency’s dissolution and the restoration of frozen aid.
Additionally, it was revealed that Donald Trump is imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, raising concerns over escalating trade tensions with Canada, Mexico, and the EU.