Americans are becoming less trusting in their political systems. According to a Gallup poll, the vast majority of Americans have “some,” “very little,” or “no” trust in Congress and the president.
This skepticism in American politics is undoubtedly due, at least in part, to the slew of scandals involving federal servants at all levels. While national-level wrongdoing, such as Watergate or President Bill Clinton’s extramarital affair, receives greater attention, corruption may be discovered at the state level throughout the country.
While each controversy is unique, they all share some common DNA: someone with some level of authority from their public position utilizing that influence to enrich themselves or their family members. Regardless of region or political affiliation, it appears that all types of American authorities are prone to corruption.
In some situations, these scandals involve lawmakers receiving bribes in exchange for supporting favorable legislation for a company or individual. Other scandals involve authorities stealing funds intended to serve the community and lavishly spending them on themselves, such as mansions, cars, and vacations. Others are more convoluted, involving extortion, false charges, extramarital affairs, and, in some cases, murder.
In 2017, a program designed to promote the economy through investment by immigrant entrepreneurs who could eventually obtain green cards was canceled after two developers in the state were accused of fraud. Ariel Quiros and Bill Stenger were accused of abusing $200 million of the $350 million received from immigrant investors for various visa-related businesses.
This large sum of money was planned to fund three separate initiatives. In 2016, the 400 investors in the different incomplete projects had yet to acquire their green cards. Quiros pleaded guilty to fraud in 2019 and is currently awaiting punishment. Stenger was scheduled to stand trial in October 2021.
Conclusion
Widespread distrust in American political institutions stems from a series of scandals, revealing a pervasive trend of corruption across different levels of government. From bribery to misuse of public funds, these instances erode public confidence. The 2017 immigrant entrepreneur visa program fraud case in Vermont further exemplifies the need for transparency and accountability in governance.