When the U.S. Department of the Treasury decided to weaken the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), it sent shock waves through law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption advocates, and those of us who can still smell a rat. For years, the CTA was hailed as a crucial tool in exposing dirty money, yet Treasury’s new exemptions seem tailor-made to shield bad actors — perhaps even politicians on both sides of the aisle.

The Treasury’s interim rule grants sweeping exemptions to domestic entities and U.S. owners of foreign companies, effectively creating a playground for money launderers, fraudsters, and traffickers. Let’s not forget, the CTA was backed by 42 state Attorneys General, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the National District Attorneys Association — hardly a group of conspiracy theorists. These are the people fighting crime on the front lines, and even they are sounding the alarm.

So, the real question is: Why now? Who benefits from a system that allows billions of dollars to move through anonymous shell companies? Certainly not the average American who’s being crushed by inflation and an economy rigged for the elites.

Consider this — politicians, both Republican and Democrat, have long been accused of using offshore accounts, dark money, and shell corporations to hide shady financial dealings. The same Congress that passed the CTA acknowledged that anonymous companies pose a massive money laundering risk. Yet now, suddenly, the Treasury is gutting enforcement, contradicting years of national security assessments.

The timing couldn’t be more suspicious. With upcoming elections, increased scrutiny on foreign influence, and growing concerns over government corruption, is it possible that this rule change is more than just bureaucratic incompetence? Is it a calculated move to protect those who stand to lose the most if their financial webs are untangled?

Law enforcement officials have been clear—this change weakens investigations into organized crime, drug trafficking, and fraud. The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition warned that these exemptions will make it harder to track drug money, especially in cases involving fentanyl, the deadly crisis ravaging our communities.

It’s time to ask the tough questions: Who is really pulling the strings at the Treasury? Who benefits from these loopholes? And why are politicians so willing to let criminals operate in plain sight?

One thing is clear — this is not about the public good. It’s about power, money, and keeping the American people in the dark. And if you think otherwise, you might not be smelling the same rat I am.