On social media many viewers stunned after a viral video showing Donald Trump boasting about his friends making billions amid strategic stock market timing.
The video showed Trump praises his billionaire friends for making billions of dollars amid his tariff war with China.
A new controversy has erupted around former President Donald Trump
In a video now circulating online, Trump bragged that two of his billionaire friends earned a combined $3.4 billion from a timely stock market investment.
Trump’s friend was believed to have profited from a tariff decision just hours before he announced a temporary pause on tariffs.
The video sparked debate. While, Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, are now suggesting that Trump’s actions may have breached ethical and legal boundaries.
Trump encouraged Americans to buy stocks just before announcing a tariff pause
On the morning of April 9, Trump posted a bold message on Truth Social, stating:
“THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT.”
This post went live just hours before he revealed that his administration would implement a 90-day pause on tariffs previously imposed on multiple countries.
Markets rebounded sharply on the news, benefiting early investors—some of whom, Trump claims, were close friends of his.
In a now-viral video recorded from the Oval Office, Trump joked:
“This is Charles Schwab… it’s not just a company, it’s actually an individual!”
He went on to say that Schwab personally made $2.5 billion during the market upswing, while another unnamed friend earned $900 million.
The timing of these statements, paired with the sudden tariff reversal, has sparked a wave of criticism. It has also raised suspicions about potential insider information being used for personal financial gain.
Social media reaction
On social media, many viewers express their shock about this incident.
His remarks have drawn outrage due to the contrast with the economic reality faced by everyday Americans. While, many of whom are concerned about a potential recession.
One person said: I mean, he basically yelled “Buy stocks!” like a Wall Street hype man, if you didn’t listen, that’s on you!
A second wrote: Help the rich Trump. That’s the name of your game.
While a third commented: He wanted to be President because he knew he would get Rich.
Another added: If only I had a couple millions to spare!!!
Someone joked: He told EVERYONE to buy. If you didn’t, that’s on you.
I mean I was ready to buy and then I saw the announcement from the eu and I knew I was too late. Another user added.
Someone said: Have any other presidents been charged for insider trading? Asking for a friend.
Trump paused tariffs just hours after his stock-buying recommendation
Later that same day, Trump made a major policy announcement via his social media platform.
He also declared that he would temporarily suspend tariffs on several countries for 90 days.
The move came alongside aggressive rhetoric toward China, with Trump stating:
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 145%, effective immediately.”
However, just a few lines later, he added:
“I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.
Critics argue that this apparent contradiction could be construed as market manipulation, especially given the timing of his public stock-buying advice just hours prior.