President Donald Trump has recently issued an Executive Order titled “Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security,” suspending enforcement of the FCPA for 180 days. During the 180 days, starting February 10, 2025, the Attorney General is directed to “review guidelines and policies governing investigations and enforcement actions under the FCPA.”

Since its enactment in 1977, the FCPA has been the primary legal mechanism in the United States for preventing and punishing corrupt business practices around the world. The FCPA applies to both domestic and foreign companies, provided the latter are either publicly traded in the United States or take actions related to bribe payments within U.S. territory. It prohibits paying bribes to foreign officials to advance business interests.