London
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The United States has recently experienced a significant decline in its standing on a prominent global index that assesses perceptions of corruption within the public sector, as evaluated by independent experts and business leaders.
Last year, the world’s most influential democracy dropped to 29th place out of 182 nations in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This marks the lowest rank the United States has held since 2012, coinciding with the introduction of a new evaluation methodology in 1995.
The United States shares its current ranking with the Bahamas, while it falls behind Lithuania (28), Barbados (24), and Uruguay (17).
Over the past decade, the US ranking has shown a consistent decline. The situation worsened last year, largely attributed to actions taken by the Trump administration, which curtailed the federal government’s ability to combat public corruption by halting investigations into corporate foreign bribery and limiting enforcement of a foreign agent registration law, among other measures.
Since returning to office, former President Donald Trump has also actively undermined governmental institutions and used governmental powers against those he views as adversaries.
Additionally, the United States recorded its lowest-ever overall CPI score, continuing its downward trend over the last decade, with a score of 64 on a scale where 100 indicates a corruption-free environment and 0 suggests high levels of corruption.
“We are very concerned about the situation in the United States,” stated Maíra Martini, CEO of Transparency International. “This declining trend could continue.”
In a statement, the non-profit coalition, Transparency International, expressed concern regarding developments in the United States: “While developments in 2025 are not yet fully reflected, actions aimed at undermining independent voices and judicial independence raise serious concerns.”
Furthermore, the organization noted: “Beyond the CPI findings, the temporary freeze and reduced enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act imply a tolerance for corrupt business practices, while cuts to US aid for global civil society have weakened international anti-corruption initiatives.”
The increase in corruption levels in the United States is echoed by a “worrying decline in performance” in other democracies, including Canada and the United Kingdom, according to Transparency International.
The UK also recorded its lowest CPI score to date, with a score of 70, following a decade of decline, although its ranking has remained at 20th place.
“We are not addressing the fundamental causes of corruption in our political systems,” said Daniel Bruce, CEO of the UK chapter of Transparency International, in a video shared on X.
He highlighted the influence of “mega donors” on UK political parties and referred to controversial public appointments, specifically mentioning the criminal investigation involving former government minister Peter Mandelson.
Mandelson, who briefly served as ambassador to the United States under the current Labour government, is under police investigation for allegedly disclosing market-sensitive information to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This scandal has plunged Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government into crisis.
Bruce urged the UK government to take further steps to eliminate the corrupting influence of significant monetary contributions in its political affairs.
The global average score in the index reflects a worldwide deterioration: It has dropped to its lowest level (42) and experienced its first decline in over a decade. “The vast majority of countries are failing to keep corruption under control,” Transparency International stated.
Denmark has maintained its position at the top of the index for the eighth consecutive year, scoring 89. Finland and Singapore have secured the second and third positions, respectively, for having the cleanest public sectors in the world.
It is important to note that the index focuses primarily on public sector corruption, meaning that high scores do not automatically indicate low levels of corruption overall.
For instance, the private sectors in top-ranking countries like Switzerland and Singapore have been scrutinized for enabling the movement of illicit funds, according to Transparency International.
Key Takeaways
- The United States fell to 29th place in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
- This ranking marks the lowest position since 2012.
- The US shares its rank with the Bahamas and is outperformed by multiple countries.
- Significant factors in the decline include actions taken by the Trump administration that weakened corruption-fighting measures.
- The global average corruption score has also decreased, reflecting broader challenges in controlling corruption worldwide.
- Countries like Denmark, Finland, and Singapore continue to lead the index with high scores.
FAQ
What is the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)?
The CPI is an index that ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be, using assessments from experts and businesspeople.
How does the CPI score range work?
The CPI score ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), providing a measure of the perceived levels of corruption in a country.
Why is the US’s rank significant?
The US rank is significant because it reflects public confidence in the integrity of its political system and institutions.
What were the implications of the latest CPI findings for the US?
The findings indicate a worrying trend, underscoring concerns about democratic integrity and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the US.
What does a low CPI score indicate for a country?
A low CPI score suggests high levels of perceived corruption, which can adversely affect governance, economic stability, and public trust in institutions.
In conclusion, the declining perception of corruption in the United States highlights urgent challenges in governance and public trust. As global trends show comparable declines, it is crucial for nations to address these issues to foster a more transparent and accountable political landscape.
