U.S. Fines for Dirty Money Drop 61% as Trump Retreats From Enforcement

U.S. fines for money laundering and other illicit financial activity dropped by 61% in 2025, reflecting a significant pullback in enforcement as policies associated with former President Donald Trump reshaped the government’s approach to financial crime. Data compiled from regulatory agencies show a sharp decline in penalties imposed on banks, corporations, and individuals accused of facilitating or failing to prevent the flow of dirty money through the financial system. The reduction comes amid broader shifts in enforcement priorities, with regulators emphasizing deregulation, lighter oversight, and negotiated compliance over aggressive investigations and large punitive fines. Critics argue that the drop signals a weakening of deterrence at a time when sophisticated money laundering schemes tied to organized crime, corruption, and sanctions evasion are becoming more complex and global in scope. Advocacy groups and former regulators warn that reduced enforcement risks emboldening bad actors and undermining years of progress made after major scandals exposed systemic failures in anti-money-laundering controls. Supporters of the lighter approach contend that previous enforcement regimes were overly punitive, imposed excessive compliance costs, and discouraged economic activity, arguing that cooperation and self-reporting can be more effective than headline-grabbing penalties.