Donald Trump halting anti-bribery laws will harm, not help US companies

President's order means a race to the bottom rigged against US, argues anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International

Bribery is not a victimless crime. Stories listing the amount paid or the fine imposed can make them sound more like distasteful financial transactions, but they have harmful - sometimes deadly - outcomes.

Bribes have been paid to building inspectors to ignore safety violations later cited in catastrophic collapses, and to officials to ignore worker standards that result in disabling and lethal outcomes. They have even helped divert weapons into the hands of rogue and dangerous actors.

Gary Kalman is the executive director of Transparency International US.

Maira Martini is the CEO of Transparency International.