US Posts Worst-Ever Corruption Score of 64 Amid Concerns Over Trump's Anti-Corruption Rollbacks

The United States scored its worst result ever on the world's most-watched corruption index, hitting 64 out of 100 and sliding to 29th place out of 182 countries.

Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, released on 10 February, put America in a tie with the Bahamas and below Uruguay, Barbados, and Lithuania. The score marks a sharp drop from 75 in 2015 and represents the lowest ranking since the index changed its methodology in 2012. 'We are very concerned about the situation in the United States', Transparency International CEO Maíra Martini said. 'This declining trend might continue.'

How America Stacks Up

Denmark kept the top spot for the eighth year running with a score of 89, followed by Finland at 88 and Singapore at 84. South Sudan and Somalia tied for last place with scores of 9, while Venezuela scored 10.

The index measures how independent experts and businesspeople perceive public sector corruption in each country. It examines bribery, judicial independence, and whether officials abuse public office for private gain.

Trump Policies Raise Red Flags

While the index mostly reflects data collected through 2024 and early 2025, Transparency International explicitly flagged recent Trump administration moves that could push America's score lower. 'Although 2025 developments are not yet fully reflected, actions targeting independent voices and undermining judicial independence raise serious concerns', the organisation warned.

The watchdog singled out Trump's decision to freeze enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, America's main law stopping companies from bribing foreign officials. The administration framed it as helping American businesses compete, but critics say it signals tolerance for corruption.

'The temporary freeze and weakening of enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act signal tolerance for corrupt business practices, while cuts to US aid for overseas civil society have weakened global anti-corruption efforts', the report stated. Trump also curtailed the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which tracks foreign influence operations in America.

Other Democracies Struggling

America is not alone in declining scores. The UK posted its lowest-ever score of 70, though it stayed at 20th place. Canada got 75, France managed 66, and Sweden scored 80 – all showing worrying slides.

'We are not tackling the root causes of corruption in our politics', said Daniel Bruce, who runs Transparency International's UK chapter. He pointed to massive political donors and questionable public appointments, including the ongoing police probe into former minister Peter Mandelson over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The global average fell to 42, its lowest in over a decade. Two-thirds of all countries–122 out of 182–now score below 50.

Why It's Getting Worse Everywhere

Transparency International spotted a pattern: countries cracking down on journalists, NGOs, and activists tend to see corruption spike. Since 2012, 36 of the 50 countries with significant score drops have also throttled civic freedoms.

'By making it hard or dangerous for citizens, NGOs and journalists to challenge abuses of power, they are reducing transparency and accountability', the group explained. 'This allows corruption to flourish.' Only five countries now score above 80, down from 12 a decade ago.

US Chapter Sounds Alarm

Gary Kalman, who runs Transparency International's US branch, said American authorities are now being weaponised for political purposes rather than neutral law enforcement.

'The use of enforcement discretion to politically determine winners and losers, and the selective loosening of market rules to favour politically connected actors, undermine core principles of the rule of law, fair competition, and anti-corruption', Kalman said. 'Perhaps most alarming is that these actions encourage leaders in other countries to further target and restrict independent voices, including advocates and journalists.'

The 2026 index will capture more of Trump's policy changes. Given that late 2025 developments are not fully reflected in this year's numbers, experts say America's score could drop further.

Transparency International insists that stronger independent courts, transparent political funding, protected press freedoms, and tougher rules on dirty money crossing borders can reverse the trend. 'Corruption is not inevitable', said François Valérian, Transparency International's chair. 'Our research and experience as a global movement fighting corruption show there is a clear blueprint for how to hold power to account for the common good.'

Whether anyone's listening remains to be seen. For now, America's reputation as a clean-government champion has taken a proper battering, and the numbers suggest it's only getting worse.