On Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump made an unexpected financial statement that sparked a surge in the stock market, benefiting those who acted on his advice. The stock market, which was struggling with fluctuating values, experienced a major turn after Trump’s social media post.
Trump’s Social Media Post: The Beginning of a Market Surge
At 9:37 a.m. on April 10, 2025, President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT.” This was a clear message to investors, urging them to purchase stocks. The post came just as stocks were wavering between gains and losses, and it marked the beginning of a significant market shift.
The Market Reacts to Trump’s Announcement
Less than four hours after Trump’s social media post, the president made another announcement—a 90-day pause on almost all tariffs. This news sent stocks soaring, with the market, as measured by the S&P 500, jumping by 9.5%. By the end of the trading day, the market had recovered about $4 trillion, which was roughly 70% of the losses it had faced over the past four days.
Was Trump’s Post an Inside Tip?
Critics are now questioning whether Trump’s post was a mere coincidence or if it was a strategic move based on inside knowledge. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, raised concerns about the timing of the post, suggesting that Trump’s message could have given investors a heads-up about the tariff pause, which may have led to a profitable decision for some.
The Timing of Trump’s Decision
When asked about the timing of his tariff decision, Trump’s response was unclear. He stated, “I would say this morning,” but also mentioned that he had been thinking about it for a few days. His answers raised more questions about whether the decision was already made when he posted the message on Truth Social.
The White House’s Response
In response to the inquiries, a White House spokesperson defended Trump’s post as part of his duties to reassure the public and markets. The spokesperson explained that it was the president’s responsibility to address concerns over economic security, especially amid media-driven fear.
The ‘DJT’ Mystery: What Does It Mean?
Another point of curiosity was Trump’s use of the initials “DJT” in his post. These initials are also the stock symbol for Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social. It remains unclear whether Trump was referring to buying stocks in general or if he was promoting his own company, Trump Media.
The Impact on Trump Media Stock
Despite the ambiguity, investors reacted quickly, and Trump Media’s stock surged by an impressive 22.67%. This was far beyond the market’s general performance, particularly for a company that had suffered significant losses the previous year. Trump’s 53% ownership stake in the company rose by $415 million, highlighting the financial gains from the post.
Tesla Also Benefiting from Trump’s Praise
In addition to Trump Media, Tesla, a company Trump has publicly praised, saw a notable increase in value. Following a news conference where Trump spoke highly of Tesla and its cars, the company’s stock surged. Tesla’s increase on the same day added $20 billion to Elon Musk’s net worth.
Ethics and Market Manipulation Concerns
Kathleen Clark, a law expert, pointed out that in previous administrations, a similar situation would have likely led to an investigation. However, she believes that Trump’s post is unlikely to face any serious consequences. Clark argued that the president’s actions send a message that he can influence the market with little to no repercussions, potentially encouraging future stock tips on social media.
A Bold Move with Market Implications
President Trump’s social media post, followed by the tariff pause, had a major impact on the market, creating significant financial gains for those who acted quickly. Whether or not this was intentional or just a coincidence remains a point of debate, but it certainly showcases the powerful influence of political figures in today’s financial world.
