Over a dozen senior U.S. government officials and congressional aides reportedly sold stocks shortly before former President Donald Trump announced global tariffs that shook the stock market, according to a recent media investigation.
A report by ProPublica revealed that officials from key agencies, including the State Department and the office responsible for crafting trade policies, offloaded tens of thousands of dollars in stocks ahead of major tariff announcements in early April. These tariffs targeted many of the United States’ trading partners and led to significant market volatility.
One White House lawyer was noted to have sold shares in nine companies just before another significant trade move by the administration. The timing of these trades raised concerns as they coincided with government announcements that were likely to impact stock prices.
Some officials reportedly reinvested their gains into safer assets like bonds or treasuries, while others held their proceeds in cash. The trades have sparked discussions about the ethical responsibilities of government officials and the potential for conflicts of interest.
This revelation has prompted calls for stricter regulations on stock trading by government personnel who may have access to sensitive, market-moving information. Advocates argue that such measures are necessary to maintain public trust and ensure integrity within governmental institutions.
