Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is using Trump’s tariff whiplash to call for an end to insider trading in Congress—and she’s not alone.
Just days after Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs—sparking global financial chaos and tanking markets—he paused most of the tariffs for 90 days. This came despite previously vehement claims that he would not back down.
Following the sudden pause, markets skyrocketed. The Nasdaq jumped 12.2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 3,000 points—the largest single-day increase ever recorded. Anyone with advance knowledge of Trump’s reversal could’ve made a fortune.
“Any member of Congress who purchased stocks in the last 48 hours should probably disclose that now,” AOC wrote in a post on X. “I’ve been hearing some interesting chatter on the floor. Disclosure deadline is May 15th. We’re about to learn a few things. It’s time to ban insider trading in Congress.”
AOC included a screenshot showing a drastic spike in Nasdaq call volume just before the tariff pause announcement—suggesting that the information may have been leaked to insiders. Meanwhile, Trump posted cryptic encouragements on Truth Social just hours before the news went public:
“BE COOL! Everything is going to work out well. The USA will be bigger and better than ever before!”
“THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY,” he wrote minutes later.
Senator Elizabeth Warren echoed the concern, calling for a full investigation into market manipulation:
“We need an independent investigation into market manipulation because Americans need to know whether President Trump or anyone in his administration manipulated the market to benefit their donors.”
Senator Adam Schiff added:
“Trump’s constant gyrations in policy provide dangerous opportunities for insider trading.”
These fears are far from unfounded. Historically, there have been serious concerns over government officials profiting off inside knowledge. During the Iraq War, former President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice were scrutinized for their ties to oil companies and for war-related policies that appeared to benefit their financial interests. Reports raised questions about whether access to oil and energy contracts drove some decisions—reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability at the highest levels of government. (source)
Now, with Trump’s dramatic flip-flop and explosive market rebound, lawmakers are demanding answers—and fast. The GOP is scrambling to defend Trump’s abrupt about-face as fears of a looming recession and public distrust intensify.
Neon Gurl will continue to follow this story in the Political News section.
