Washington D.C. – Several Democratic senators are calling for an investigation into President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements, questioning whether he violated securities laws through insider trading and market manipulation. The senators, led by Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, are urging the Securities and Exchange Commission to look into whether administration insiders profited from the market fluctuations caused by Trump’s tariff decisions.
The letter, signed by Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer and other prominent Democrats, raises concerns about the timing of Trump’s social media post urging people to buy stocks during a period of volatile market conditions. Shortly after the post, Trump announced a 90-day pause on certain tariffs, leading to a significant rebound in the US stock market.
According to the senators, the series of sudden tariff announcements by Trump has created instability in the financial markets, causing dramatic declines in a short period of time. They also question whether individuals close to the president had prior knowledge of his plans to delay tariffs, potentially allowing them to make stock trades ahead of the public announcement.
The letter further highlights concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the SEC’s ability to investigate and enforce securities laws. The senators are seeking clarity on how recent actions and staffing reductions within the agency have impacted its capacity to respond to major market events and potential violations.
This latest development comes amid ongoing scrutiny over Trump’s handling of economic policies and potential conflicts of interest. The senators are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure accountability and transparency in the financial markets. The SEC has yet to respond to the senators’ request for an investigation.