The United States has dropped in Transparency International's annual corruption index, scoring 64 out of 100, which is one point lower than last year and twelve points lower than its peak score in 2015. The report indicates that the political climate in the U.S. has been deteriorating for over a decade, leading to significant concerns about the state of democracy and governance.

The authors of the report express that the scoring reflects the overall perception of corruption but do not fully capture events from 2025, underscoring ongoing issues that have been prevalent in recent years. Specific examples cited include the use of public office to restrict the activities of non-governmental organizations and journalists, alongside the erosion of judicial independence. These factors contribute to a troubling trend where decision-making within prosecutorial offices has become increasingly politicized.

This decline in the corruption index may have serious implications for the United States, impacting its international reputation and domestic governance. As public trust in institutions wanes, there is a pressing need for reforms to restore transparency and accountability, ensuring that democratic principles are upheld and that the democratic process is not undermined by corrupt practices.