Schumer Introduces Legislation Creating New Federal Anti-Corruption Agency

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Thursday that he is introducing comprehensive legislation designed to establish a new federal agency empowered to investigate corruption allegations involving President Donald Trump and subsequent presidential administrations. The proposal, unveiled at Public Citizen’s “Combating Corruption” event, represents what Schumer described as the “biggest, boldest and broadest proposal ever put forward to revitalize our anti-corruption institutions.”

The proposed Anti-Corruption Bureau would operate as an independent agency equipped with subpoena authority and the capacity to pursue investigations into the Trump administration beyond his tenure in office. The legislation would additionally enable citizens and state attorneys general to file civil lawsuits seeking recovery of funds allegedly misappropriated through governmental corruption.

Schumer emphasized that the measure would directly benefit ordinary Americans if government officials exploit their positions. “If Donald Trump or one of his lackeys, sons or cronies uses government influence to steal from you, you deserve your day in court,” Schumer said, noting that the bill prioritizes cases brought by state attorneys general and addresses more severe corruption matters to prevent frivolous litigation.

The agency would be governed by a seven-member board appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with representation capped at three members per party and one independent member to mitigate potential partisan bias. If enacted, the Anti-Corruption Bureau would absorb functions currently handled by the Office of Government Ethics, the Federal Election Commission, and the Office of Special Counsel.

The bill would impose restrictions on presidents, vice presidents, their spouses, adult children, and numerous senior administration officials from soliciting or accepting gifts exceeding $50,000. It would authorize the new bureau to investigate violations dating to January 20, 2025, the commencement of Trump’s second term, with a 10-year statute of limitations.

To ensure independence, Schumer stated that the Anti-Corruption Bureau would receive “a self-sustaining funding source to guarantee its independence, much like the Federal Reserve.” The legislation explicitly prohibits weaponizing the bureau against political opponents, with Schumer framing this safeguard as essential to maintaining public confidence in government institutions.

Schumer cited Trump’s accumulated wealth since assuming office as justification for the legislation, asserting that Trump has accrued at least $2.2 billion while his family has secured approximately $4 billion during the 18-month period. He characterized these financial gains as the direct result of exploiting “the information, access and influence that only the president of the United States can have.”

Initial cosponsors of the measure include Senators Andy Kim, D-N.J.; Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. While acknowledging Trump’s actions prompted the legislation, Schumer stressed that the framework would apply to future administrations as well, suggesting it addresses systemic vulnerabilities in governmental ethics oversight rather than targeting a single individual.