Trump Administration Scales Back Enforcement of White Collar Crimes

 Posted on May 14, 2025 in Criminal Defense

There are multiple types of criminal charges that are classified as white collar crimes. These offenses usually involve financial matters and include money laundering, insider trading, bribery, or fraud. Because white collar crimes involve financial markets, investors in multiple states and countries, and other issues that cross state lines and international borders, they are often prosecuted at the federal level. However, recent actions by the administration of President Donald Trump may indicate that federal officials are choosing not to prosecute certain types of white collar crimes.

The laws and regulations that may apply when people are charged with white collar crimes can be very complex. While the federal government may choose not to focus on certain types of offenses, there are still many situations where people or entities may need to address criminal charges of a financial nature. Representation from an experienced attorney can be crucial in these situations, ensuring that a defendant can take steps to defend against a conviction, seek to have charges dismissed, or determine what other options may be available.

Limits on Prosecution of Bribery Cases and Other White Collar Crimes

Since President Trump assumed office for his second term, the Justice Department has changed its focus when prosecuting federal offenses. Some cases involving white collar crimes have been dropped, and Trump has also issued pardons for people who had previously been convicted. 

Some of these changes in policy have been in response to an executive order that Trump issued in February 2025 freezing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This law addresses bribery of foreign governments, and prosecutors may bring cases against people or companies that attempt to gain unfair advantages through improper transactions, payments to local officials, or other forms of bribery. The executive order stated that this law is often used to punish businesses for engaging in practices that are commonly used around the world, while also restricting U.S. companies from being able to compete in the global marketplace.

The Justice Department has also disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and has dropped cases related to cryptocurrency fraud and the use of cryptocurrency to commit money laundering. Trump issued pardons for the founders of a cryptocurrency exchange who had been convicted of charges related to failing to prevent money laundering. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also dropped or paused several cases involving cryptocurrency fraud and market manipulation.

Other actions by the Trump administration and the Justice Department have been related to cases involving fraud. Trump pardoned the founder of Nikola, who had been convicted of defrauding investors by making false claims about the company’s electric vehicle technology. Other cases involving securities fraud have been put on hold.

As the federal government makes changes to how it will prosecute white collar crime cases and enforce the laws, it is likely to change its focus and concentrate on certain types of cases. Prosecutions may continue in money laundering cases involving drug cartels and other international criminal organizations. The Justice Department is also focusing on healthcare fraud, and officials have stated that they will be looking to prosecute cases involving fraud against the federal government.

Contact Our Connecticut White Collar Crime Lawyers

While federal officials may drop charges in certain cases or choose not to prosecute some types of crimes, there are still a number of cases in which people may be charged with white collar crimes. For those who are facing charges related to drug crimes, healthcare fraud, or other alleged offenses, an attorney who has experience in these types of cases can provide representation while protecting their rights. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our Hartford white collar crimes defense attorneys can help people facing charges at the federal or state level. To arrange a free consultation and learn how we can help defend against these types of charges, contact us at 860-290-8690.