Trump Withdraws US from Greco Anti-Corruption Monitoring Body 2026

The Trump administration has withdrawn the United States from Greco, the Council of Europe's anti-corruption monitoring body, arguing that membership no longer serves American interests. The formal notification was delivered on Monday to the Strasbourg-based organization, marking another step in Washington's broader retreat from multilateral institutions.

Why the US Left Greco

A State Department spokesperson said the decision followed a review of US involvement in Greco, which stands for the Group of States against Corruption. The administration concluded that the annual financial contribution required for membership "does not provide tangible benefits to US national security."

"The era of writing blank checks to international bureaucracies is over," the spokesperson added, emphasizing that the department would instead prioritize "higher-impact tools" such as visa restrictions and targeted sanctions.

What Is Greco and What Does It Do?

Greco is the Council of Europe's anti-corruption monitoring body, established in 1999. It evaluates member states' compliance with anti-corruption standards through peer reviews and publishes reports that assess legal frameworks, enforcement, and prevention measures. The US joined Greco in 2000 as one of its founding members outside Europe.

Membership carries an annual financial contribution, which the Trump administration has now deemed unnecessary. The withdrawal means the US will no longer participate in Greco's mutual evaluations or be subject to its peer-review process.

Implications for US Anti-Corruption Efforts

Critics argue that leaving Greco weakens the US's ability to combat corruption both domestically and internationally. Without peer review, the US loses a mechanism for benchmarking its anti-corruption practices against global standards. Supporters of the withdrawal contend that the US can pursue corruption through bilateral channels and unilateral actions more effectively.

The move aligns with the administration's pattern of disengaging from international bodies it views as inefficient or overreaching. Recent examples include withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the Paris climate accord.

Comparison: Greco Membership vs. Alternative Approaches

Key Takeaways

• The US has formally withdrawn from Greco, the Council of Europe's anti-corruption monitoring body.
• The Trump administration cited lack of tangible national security benefits and the cost of membership.
• The withdrawal is part of a broader pattern of disengagement from multilateral institutions.
• Critics warn it undermines US credibility in fighting corruption; supporters say it allows more flexible, targeted actions.

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