Global Markets Soar After Trump Delays Tariffs, Democrats Cry Insider Trading

A surprise move by U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend new tariffs on several countries for 90 days sent global stock markets soaring—but also triggered a political firestorm. Democratic lawmakers swiftly accused the administration of potential market manipulation and insider trading.

Wall Street experienced a massive rally, with the S&P 500 climbing over 9% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq surging more than 12%. Overseas, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 9%, while London’s FTSE 100 jumped 4% during early Thursday trading (April 10, 2025).

Amid the broader market surge, particular attention focused on Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG)—the parent company of Truth Social. Shares of TMTG, trading under the symbol DJT (identical to Trump's initials), spiked 22% just hours after Trump’s morning social media post announcing the tariff suspension.

The timing of the announcement drew sharp condemnation. Senator Adam Schiff called for a formal investigation, warning that the abrupt policy change “opens dangerous doors to insider trading.” Speaking to The Guardian, he asked, “Who knew about this before it went public? Did anyone buy or sell stocks based on privileged information?”

Senator Chris Murphy added on X, “There’s an insider trading scandal unfolding. Trump’s 9:30 a.m. post looks tailor-made to benefit insiders. Who knew in advance—and how much did they profit?”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) joined the chorus, demanding that all members of Congress disclose stock trades made in the past 24 hours. “I’ve heard some very interesting conversations on the House floor. With a May 15 filing deadline, we’ll find out soon. It’s time to ban insider trading in Congress,” she wrote.

White House: This Was Strategy, Not Surprise

Asked when the tariff decision was made, Trump stated, “I’ve been thinking about it for a few days. I’d say this morning.” Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back on claims of spontaneity, describing the move as part of “the art of the deal,” Trump’s signature approach to high-stakes negotiation.

Scrutiny also intensified around Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who reportedly bought shares of major tech firms on April 3–4, shortly after Trump’s April 2 announcement of sweeping “liberation day tariffs.” As the market rebounded, stocks like Amazon and Apple, which she had purchased, gained 12% and 15%, respectively—raising questions about possible early access to inside information.