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WSJ What’s News

Trump Administration Backs Away From White-Collar Criminal Enforcement

Apr 14, 2025
The U.S. administration is stepping back from prosecuting foreign bribery and money laundering, reshaping perceptions of white-collar crime. This change raises questions about what qualifies as illegal business conduct. Meanwhile, tariffs threaten a recovery in the office market post-Covid, complicating leasing activities. Additionally, an antitrust trial looms for Meta Platforms, potentially influencing the future of Instagram and WhatsApp. The conversation highlights how economic decisions can have far-reaching legal and market consequences.
13:48

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Quick takeaways

  • The Trump administration is redefining white-collar crime enforcement, focusing less on foreign bribery and money laundering to enhance business competitiveness.
  • The ongoing antitrust trial against Meta Platforms could drastically reshape digital competition and influence future enforcement practices in the tech industry.

Deep dives

Changes in White-Collar Crime Enforcement

The Trump administration is shifting its approach to white-collar crime enforcement, particularly in cases related to foreign bribery and money laundering. Recent executive orders suggest that the administration views certain prosecutions as detrimental to the competitiveness of American businesses globally. This shift indicates a decline in the popularity of pursuing cases without clear victims, with a noticeable leniency towards defendants who may claim political targeting. Ultimately, while the administration maintains a commitment to combating fraud, the focus on enforcement is becoming more selective and less robust than in previous years.

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