Federal prosecutors and securities regulators have gone after large companies for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits them from bribing foreign officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to pause prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials while trying to win or retain business in their countries.

It’s going to mean a lot more business for America.” The consequences could be dramatic, depending on Trump's next move. If he halts many prosecutions, essentially defanging the law, it could help U.S.