Barack Obama claims U.S. federal government is less corrupt than ever

Former President Barack Obama stated that the U.S. federal government is “much less corrupt” than at virtually any point in American history, specifically regarding direct bribes, patronage, or favors.

Speaking on his new Audible podcast series, “A Great Book with Barack Obama,” Obama explained that anti-patronage reforms implemented after the Watergate era helped dismantle old political machines and the practice of trading votes or government jobs for support. He noted that while these reforms reduced transactional corruption, they also removed some of the political “lubrication” that previously allowed lawmakers with deep ideological differences to reach agreements.

The comments come amid a political climate where public concern regarding corruption is high and Democratic leaders are utilizing the issue in campaigns against President Trump.