How did corruption in Grant's administration hurt Reconstruction?

Corruption in Ulysses S. Grant's administration undermined the credibility of the Reconstruction efforts by fostering public disillusionment with the federal government. Scandals, such as the Whiskey Ring and the Crédit Mobilier scandal, diverted attention from the goals of Reconstruction and eroded support for policies aimed at integrating formerly enslaved people into society. This loss of faith in leadership weakened the resolve of both Congress and the public, ultimately contributing to the rollback of Reconstruction reforms and the resurgence of discriminatory practices in the South.