Demand Accountability: Tariffs, Stock Surges, and Conflicts of Interest

I am writing to express profound concern regarding recent actions by President Donald Trump that have significantly destabilized financial markets and raised serious ethical and legal questions. Specifically, the abrupt imposition and subsequent suspension of sweeping tariffs have led to extreme market volatility, adversely affecting American families and the global economy. On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced extensive tariffs, including a baseline 10% tariff on imports from 185 countries, with significantly higher rates for certain nations. Notably, Chinese imports faced a total tariff of 104% following an additional 50% hike. These measures led to sharp declines in U.S. markets, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite down over 15% and nearly 21% year-to-date, respectively. Economic leaders warned that these tariffs could spike inflation and increase the risk of recession. Subsequently, on April 9, 2025, President Trump unexpectedly announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs, excluding China, whose import tariffs were increased to 125%. This sudden policy reversal led to a significant surge in stock markets, with the S&P 500 rising by 9.5% and the Dow Jones by 7.9%. Compounding concerns, prior to the tariff pause announcement, President Trump posted a message on social media urging investors to buy stocks and referencing “DJT”—his initials and stock ticker. This has prompted calls from lawmakers, including Senator Adam Schiff, for an investigation into potential insider trading or market manipulation. These actions suggest a troubling pattern of using economic policy for potential personal gain, undermining the integrity of our financial markets and eroding public trust in our institutions. The American people deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being over personal enrichment. I urge Congress to take the following actions: • Conduct a thorough investigation into the timing and motivations behind the recent tariff announcements and reversals, including any potential insider trading or market manipulation by President Trump or his associates. • Implement safeguards to prevent the executive branch from enacting abrupt economic policies that can lead to market instability and potential conflicts of interest. • Enhance transparency in the formulation and communication of trade policies to ensure they serve the national interest and not personal agendas. The stability of our economy and the trust of the American people are at stake. I implore you to act swiftly and decisively to uphold the principles of ethical governance and protect the economic well-being of all Americans.