It is not because other nations, like Russia, would not like to be more corrupt; they just don't move enough money to compete. China is the only serious rival to the title, and is openly organized for corruption, first and foremost, where the US still pretends.

If we want to become less corrupt, it will be a long and hard road. But thus far we, instead, elected an out-and-out grifter to the Presidency, and then held our noses and elected the father of another to replace him. So, it will take a change of direction we seem not to want.

Too many think they have a chance to get on the gravy train, and would hate for it to stop while still have the chance.