Trump freezes U.S. law banning bribery of foreign officials

Supporters of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) praise it as an important anti-bribery statute that keeps corporations honest when doing business outside the U.S. By contrast, the law's detractors say it unfairly hobbles American companies, giving an advantage to foreign players. 

On Monday, President Trump took a side. "It sounds good on paper but in practicality, it's a disaster," he said while signing an executive order  freezing enforcement of the 1977 law. "It's going to mean a lot more business for America."

Mr. Trump can't overturn the law, but as head of the executive branch he can change the way it is enforced and shift resources to other Justice Department priorities.