An opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal contends that an increase in government size and scope inevitably leads to greater opportunities for corruption. The commentary argues that regardless of the political party in power, policies that expand government influence create more instances where favors can be exchanged for political gain.
The author posits that while Democrats may blame former President Trump for instances of corruption, the expansion of government programs and regulations under any administration provides fertile ground for such issues to arise. The piece suggests that the inherent nature of big government is to create complex systems where influence can be leveraged, leading to the selling of favors and other corrupt practices.
According to the commentary, this dynamic is not exclusive to one political ideology but is a consequence of centralized power and extensive government intervention in the economy and society. The argument is that more government means more points of contact where individuals and entities might seek to influence policy for personal or corporate benefit, thereby increasing the potential for corruption.