**Trump’s Swift Actions Spark Concerns Over Integrity and Oversight**
In the initial weeks of his new presidency, Donald Trump has rapidly taken steps to dismantle the mechanisms designed to uphold public integrity within the federal government. These actions appear to reflect a determination to eliminate the oversight structures he deemed intrusive during his earlier tenure, signaling a bold shift in the exercise of presidential powers.
In a remarkable series of events on a single day, Trump removed key officials overseeing government ethics and whistleblower protections. Additionally, he announced a suspension of federal enforcement of a long-standing law restricting American businesses from resorting to bribing foreign entities to secure contracts. This initiative followed a considerable late-night dismissal of numerous inspectors general tasked with investigating waste and fraud in various government branches.
This defiance from Trump showcases his readiness to act without regard for the traditional checks and balances that many presidents have respected. Norm Eisen, a former ambassador and advisor to Democrats, condemned these actions as the most corrupt opening to a presidency in American history. Princeton historian Julian Zelizer echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the goal of Trump’s recent moves is to evade accountability by targeting key figures who monitor government behavior.
Zelizer stated that Trump had been more aggressive than in his first term regarding the purging of individuals whose responsibilities include oversight of his administration. He emphasized that this bold approach could lead to an executive branch devoid of independent observers and a Congress unlikely to challenge Trump’s agenda.
Building on the tactics from his previous administration, Trump’s recent actions seem focused on retaliating against those who he believes have previously undermined him. Recently, his Justice Department dismissed more than a dozen prosecutors involved in classified document inquiries and investigations into the events surrounding the January 6 Capitol insurrection. In a striking moment, Trump indicated he would move to “surgically” remove investigators deemed disloyal.
This illustrates a clear strategy to maintain firm control over the Justice Department, aiming to sweep out respondents typically retained during administrations. His ongoing operations began with a dramatic purge of nearly 20 inspectors general shortly after taking office in his first round, violating statutory requirements that necessitate prior notice to Congress regarding such dismissals.
The recent wave of firings included the head of the Office of Special Counsel, who subsequently launched a lawsuit challenge over his termination. Additionally, Trump dismissed the head of the Office of Government Ethics, placing Doug Collins, a close ally, in a temporary leadership role for these oversight organizations.
In another notable incident, Trump granted clemency to Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor, who had been found guilty of corruption involving the attempted sale of a Senate seat. Later that day, the Justice Department ordered prosecutors to cease legal proceedings against New York Mayor Eric Adams related to accusations involving illicit campaign financing.
Eisen remarked that Trump’s actions send a clear signal that corruption will not only be tolerated but welcomed in his administration. Trump has consistently framed these investigations as politically motivated attacks.
On the front of business regulation, Trump, who once campaigned on anti-corruption pledges, has set his sights on loosening ethical standards further. He announced a pause on enforcing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act that forbids U.S. businesses from bribing foreign officials, justifying the decision by claiming it creates an “unfair playing field” for American firms competing internationally.
Moreover, Trump revoked a Biden-era executive order that restricted executive employees from receiving major gifts from lobbyists and established a two-year ban on officials shifting between lobbying roles and government positions, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest. This move comes amidst renewed overlaps between Trump’s personal enterprises and public service, particularly highlighted by a new cryptocurrency venture.
In light of this renewed focus on corporate interests, the Trump Organization has engaged in various international ventures, raising concerns about potential conflicts that could influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Trump’s business interests. The landscape has shifted as rules perceived to inhibit corporate influence have been reevaluated, potentially opening doors to new ethical challenges in governance.
