It was created in 1991, with the United States as the biggest financial sponsor, to assist former Soviet-bloc nations transitioning from communism, with a mission of “furthering progress towards market-oriented economies and the promotion of private and entrepreneurial initiative.” One such organization is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). While Americans are generally familiar with the ethical black hole that is the United Nations, as well as its tendency to deploy our tax dollars toward ends contrary to American interests, there are many less well-known global bodies benefiting from American support and/or taxpayer contributions while pushing ever more corrupt or statist agendas. To be fully effective, however, the global swamp must be targeted as well. However, a focus on eliminating corruption and cronyism should be encouraged throughout his tenure, and it should be maintained by subsequent administrations long after he leaves office. Now that he holds office, the degree to which he has taken steps toward achieving this goal is up for debate.
Quinlan is the co-founder and president of the Center for Freedom and Prosperity.ĭonald Trump made the idea of draining the swamp in Washington, D.C., a central component of his presidential campaign. This article originally appeared in the Washington Times on May 15, 2018. Andrew F.