WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats are raising concerns about potential impropriety following President Donald Trump’s suggestion that it was a “great time to buy” stocks just before announcing a reduction in new tariffs, resulting in a market uptick. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., emphasized the need to investigate potential stock manipulation and the possibility of House Republicans having prior knowledge of Trump’s tariff decision. Jeffries stated that members of Congress would push for transparency regarding recent stock purchases.
After Trump’s social media post encouraging stock purchases, he subsequently announced a tariff reduction, prompting market gains. The White House denied market manipulation accusations and criticized Democrats for politicizing the issue. While there is no evidence of market manipulation or insider trading, the timing of events has sparked calls for investigation.
Rep. Maxine Waters is poised to request an inquiry into insider trading and market manipulation surrounding the tariff announcement. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other Democrats advocate for an independent investigation to determine who benefited from the market movements. Sens. Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego have called for U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Gre
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reached out to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles on Thursday with a series of questions regarding potential insider trading or illegal financial activities linked to recent tariff announcements involving President Trump or his administration. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need for accountability, particularly for those in Congress who may have profited from stock trades ahead of the tariff news. She highlighted the upcoming deadline for financial disclosure reports and urged transparency from any members who engaged in recent stock transactions. Senator John Cornyn defended the president against accusations of market manipulation or insider trading, dismissing the claims as baseless. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson playfully commented on the situation, suggesting that it could be a good time to consider stock investments.
