US president posted it was ‘a great time to buy’ on social media just hours before pausing tariff impositions

In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate, President Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social early Wednesday morning to encourage Americans to invest in the stock market, proclaiming it 'a great time to buy.' His post came just hours before he announced a significant policy shift: a 90-day pause on tariffs that had been previously implemented, which had created turbulence in the financial markets. Immediately following Trump's post, stocks rallied dramatically, especially the S&P 500, which saw a remarkable one-day increase of over 10%, marking its largest gain since 2008. Investors who acted on Trump's advice saw profits soar, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust rising 11% by the afternoon. Notably, shares of Trump Media & Technology, the parent company of Truth Social, also surged significantly, suggesting a potential conflict of interest as Trump has a substantial financial stake in the company. This episode has ignited conversations about market manipulation, especially given Trump's simultaneous encouragement of stock purchases and his direct involvement in stocks through his ownership stake. Critics, including former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter, caution that Trump's actions could be interpreted as leveraging insider knowledge for financial gain. The White House defended the president's tweet, framing it as part of his duty to maintain market stability amid 'media fearmongering.' As the stock market rebounded from the turmoil caused by last week's tariff announcement, there is an ethical gray area at play—was Trump's solicitation of investment just coincidental timing, or was it orchestrated communication with insider implications? Market forums like Reddit’s WallStreetBets lit up with a mix of excitement from investors who capitalized on the surge and skepticism from those questioning the legitimacy of Trump's influence over market dynamics. Amidst these cheers and jeers, the discourse illustrates a broader sentiment in today's investing culture, where the interplay between politics and the stock market remains a contentious and complex issue. In summary, this incident raises important questions about the intersection of presidential influence, market stability, and ethics in trading, especially in light of ongoing scrutiny into the conduct of public officials.