Category: Pocket Padding

Trump’s Stock Advice Raises Insider Trading Concerns Amid Market Surge

Donald Trump recently posted a message encouraging investors to “buy” stocks on his social media platform Truth Social, just hours before announcing a 90-day pause on his tariffs. His post came as the stock market was fluctuating, and shortly after he made the recommendation, stocks surged dramatically, with the S&P 500 gaining back about $4 trillion in value.

Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter expressed concerns over the timing of Trump’s advice, suggesting it raised questions about potential insider trading. Securities law prohibits trading on insider information, and Painter’s remarks highlighted the ethically dubious nature of Trump’s financial communications.

When asked about the timing of his decision regarding the tariffs, Trump offered a vague response, claiming he arrived at the decision earlier that morning while acknowledging that he had been considering it for several days. This ambiguity only fueled speculation regarding whether he used his post to manipulate the market for personal gain.

The significance of Trump’s initials, “DJT,” at the end of his post has also drawn attention, as it corresponds to the stock symbol for Trump Media and Technology Group. This raised further questions about whether he was subtly promoting his own company’s stock rather than offering general investment advice.

Experts in government ethics warn that such behavior would typically provoke an investigation in other administrations, but it appears unlikely that Trump’s actions will receive any serious scrutiny. Critics argue this indicates a troubling precedent where the president may feel empowered to manipulate market dynamics without consequence.

(h/t: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-told-investors-to-buy-on-social-media-hours-before-his-tariff-pause-rose-stocks-raising-questions-about-manipulation)

Trump Prioritizes Business Over America Amid Economic Collapse and Political Fundraising

During a financial market meltdown, President Donald Trump is once again prioritizing his family’s business ventures over the country’s well-being. As he traveled to Florida for a Saudi-backed golf tournament and fundraisers at his resorts, the nation witnessed a troubling scenario where the Trumps capitalized on turmoil. Trump’s history of intertwining his personal business interests with his political agenda illustrates a blatant exploitation of his office.

The weekend at the Trump properties began with thousands flocking to the Trump National Doral for a LIV Golf event, supported by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. Trump’s focus on gathering wealthy donors while the economy collapsed reveals a troubling pattern of using his presidential platform for personal gain. Simultaneously, the domestic stock market suffered unprecedented losses, erasing about $5 trillion in value due to Trump’s instigated tariffs, emphasizing irresponsibility and negligence in governance.

Last week’s events included lavish fundraisers, where hundreds paid upwards of a million dollars to dine with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Such aggression in fundraising raises alarm among Republican insiders who question the motivations behind Trump’s relentless collection of political contributions, particularly for a president ineligible for re-election. This indicates a deep-seated concern about Trump’s true intentions while he’s raking in money to benefit his own interests, rather than addressing pressing national issues.

Moreover, Trump’s choice to conduct business at his venues while promoting his tariffs exemplifies a corrupt system that prioritizes profit over public service. Guests at his events showed indifference to the economic chaos, suggesting a troubling disconnect between the elite and the harsh realities facing average Americans. Instead of focusing on policies to stabilize the economy, Trump and his supporters celebrate wealth accumulation, reinforcing the notion that for them, America operates as a business enterprise rather than a nation.

As Trump’s practices continue to blur the lines of ethical governance, they potentially undermine democratic processes. The overlap of political power and personal profit epitomizes a troubling trend in modern American politics, where wealthy elites leverage their status to gain further advantages. This blatant disregard for public responsibility coupled with the ongoing erosion of democratic norms signals a dangerous trajectory for the nation.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/05/us/politics/trump-family-saudi-golf.html)

Trump Holds Oval Office Meeting to Promote Controversial Golf Merger for Personal Gain

In a disturbing revelation, former President Donald Trump convened a meeting in the Oval Office to promote a business merger benefiting his family’s financial interests. This meeting, reported by The New York Times, focused on overcoming obstacles to a merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, a direct business partner of the Trump family.

This ethically questionable gathering included key figures such as PGA Tour Executive Jay Monahan and LIV Golf Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan on the phone. Trump’s actions exemplify blatant self-interest, prioritizing his business ties over the responsibilities of his office, which is a hallmark of authoritarian governance.

Former prosecutors and ethics experts have pointed out that Trump’s involvement represents a significant conflict of interest, which reflects a broader pattern of misconduct within the Trump administration. Trump had previously promised to avoid conflicts of interest while in office, yet his behavior suggests a disregard for ethical boundaries.

Furthermore, Trump’s apparent confidence that his actions would escape scrutiny highlights a worrying evolution in American politics, where oversight mechanisms seem weakened. This meeting is one of several instances illustrating how Trump continuously prioritizes personal gain over public service.

The implications of this meeting extend beyond mere ethics; they underscore a troubling embrace of cronyism where government resources are leveraged to benefit Trump’s financial interests, demonstrating a fundamental threat to democratic integrity.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/brazen-conflict-of-interest-trump-reportedly-held-oval-office-meeting-to-forge-merger-involving-business-partner-liv-golf/)

Trump’s Administration Shields Elon Musk from Scrutiny While Eroding Accountability

In a troubling convergence of wealth and power, President Donald Trump’s shake-up of federal agencies has directly benefited Elon Musk, allowing his vast business empire to sidestep accountability. Just weeks into his presidency, Trump has executed a series of firings that include vital officials overseeing investigations into Musk’s companies. This administration’s disdain for regulatory oversight paves the way for unethical business practices to flourish under the guise of privatization.

Musk, the world’s richest individual and the head of six prominent companies, secured an astonishing $13 billion in federal contracts over the past five years. This increased access to public funds raises alarm about potential corruption and favoritism. With over 32 investigations into Musk’s businesses stalled or undermined by this administration’s shift in leadership, it indicates an alarming trend of shielding billionaires from the scrutiny they deserve.

The Trump administration’s actions have disrupted key regulatory agencies, silencing essential watchdogs that existed to protect the public from corporate malfeasance. By firing officials and dismantling bureaucracy, Trump has effectively paralyzed the National Labor Relations Board, a body crucial for enforcing workers’ rights, while also attacking other agencies involved in monitoring Musk’s compliance with federal regulations. The move not only favors Musk but also signals a broader attack on labor rights under Trump’s agenda.

Furthermore, Trump’s attempts to remove Democratic leadership in agencies like the Federal Election Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, which handle campaign finance and investor protection issues, have left powerful positions in Republican hands. This power shift not only aids Musk’s interests but also threatens to erode ethical standards in governance, exemplifying how Trump aligns with wealthy elites at the expense of ordinary Americans.

As Trump and Musk redefine the boundaries of corporate power and governmental influence, the implications are dire for democracy and equity in America. The unholy alliance between these figures underscores a shift towards authoritarianism and greed, with the disenfranchisement of average citizens as the inevitable result. As they prioritize profits and power, it becomes clear: America is witnessing the dismantling of its democratic institutions in favor of a corporate oligarchy.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/us/politics/elon-musk-companies-conflicts.html)

Trump and Musk: Wealthy Elites Undermine Democracy Together

In a disturbing display of power dynamics, former President Donald Trump invited billionaire Elon Musk to share the spotlight during a recent event in the Oval Office. This collaboration raises serious concerns about the intertwining of private interests within government frameworks. Musk, who has faced significant scrutiny regarding his management and ethics, utilized this platform to advocate dismantling federal bureaucracy under the pretext of restoring democracy.

During this appearance, Trump handed over the reins of the event to Musk, signaling a worrying trend of wealthy elites influencing and undermining governance. Instead of promoting transparency, Musk introduced unverified claims of “waste, fraud, and abuse,” raising alarm bells about their intentions to delegitimize established government functions that serve the public. Ignoring the complexities of democratic governance, Musk portrayed bureaucratic operations as barriers to democracy, a comparison that tends to distort the role of a functioning government.

Musk’s rhetoric included a striking assertion that the current system represented a form of oppression due to the “autonomous federal bureaucracy” somehow being more powerful than elected representatives. This claim not only simplifies the vital role of bureaucracy but also dangerously echoes authoritarian sentiments dismissing the legitimacy of methods designed to ensure accountability in governance.

Furthermore, Musk’s presence alongside Trump highlights the concerning trend where major corporate figures exert influence over public policy and decision-making processes. It raises ethical questions regarding conflicts of interest—whether legislators can truly act in favor of the public without being swayed by the interests of affluent supporters like Musk. Such dynamics threaten to erode the integrity of governmental institutions established to protect democracy.

The implications of such an alliance are clear: as Trump and Musk attempt to rebrand and redefine governmental operations, they simultaneously advance a narrative that benefits their corporate interests. This alliance fosters a dangerous precedent wherein wealthy individuals can manipulate political tools to dismantle established protections and influence national policy, posing significant risks to democratic values and accountability.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-lets-elon-musk-take-the-reins-in-surreal-joint-oval-office-appearance-billionaire-awkwardly-defends-doge-cuts/)

Trump visits private golf course as US battles rapid surge in coronavirus cases

Donald Trump visited one of his own private golf courses in Virginia on Saturday as America continued to see fallout from a rapid surge in coronavirus cases. The trip came a day after the US president said he would stay in Washington DC to “make sure law and order is enforced” amid ongoing anti-racism protests.

The president has been frequently criticized for the scale of his golfing habit while in office. CNN – which tallies his golfing activities – said the visit to the Trump National course in Loudon county, just outside Washington DC, was the 271st of his presidency – putting him at an average of golfing once every 4.6 days since he’s been in office. His predecessor, Barack Obama, golfed 333 rounds over the two terms of his presidency, according to NBC.

The visit comes as the number of confirmed new coronavirus cases per day in the US hit an all-time high of 40,000, according to figures released by Johns Hopkins on Friday. Many states are now seeing spikes in the virus with Texas, Florida and Arizona especially badly hit after they reopened their economies – a policy they are now pausing or reversing.

Trump has been roundly criticized for a failure to lead during the coronavirus that has seen America become by far the worst hit country in the world. Critics in particular point to his failure to wear a mask, holding campaign rallies in coronavirus hot spots and touting baseless conspiracy theories about cures, such as using bleach.

On Friday night Trump tweeted that he was cancelling a weekend trip to his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course because of the protests which have rocked the capital, including taking down statues of confederate figures.

“I was going to go to Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend, but wanted to stay in Washington, D.C. to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced. The arsonists, anarchists, looters, and agitators have been largely stopped,” he tweeted.

Trump’s latest visit to the golf course put him in the way of some opposition. According to a White House pool media report: “A small group of protesters at the entrance to the club held signs that included, ‘Trump Makes Me Sick’ and ‘Dump Trump’.
A woman walking a small white dog nearby also gave the motorcade a middle finger salute.”

It is not yet known if Trump actually played a round of golf. But a photographer captured the president wearing a white polo shirt and a red cap, which is among his common golfing attire.

[The Guardian]

Trump Has ‘Financial Interest’ in Hydroxychloroquine Manufacturer

President Donald Trump has a “small financial interest” in the drugmaker of an anti-malarial drug that he has been touting as a “game changer” in treating coronavirus, according to The New York Times. Over the past two weeks, Trump and his Fox News allies have aggressively promoted hydroxychloroquine as a potential cure despite top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci urging caution and noting that there was not enough evidence of the drug’s efficacy.

The Times reports that the president’s family trusts all have investments in a mutual fund whose largest holding is Sanofi, the manufacturer of Plaquenil, the brand-name version of hydroxychloroquine. Associates of the president, such as major Republican donor Ken Fisher and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, have also run funds that hold investments in the pharmaceutical firm.

[The Daily Beast]

Trump campaign chief is funneling pay to Eric Trump’s wife, Don Jr.’s girlfriend

President Donald Trump’s campaign manager is quietly channeling money to Eric Trump’s wife, Lara Trump, and Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, The New York Times reported Monday.

The payments are hidden from public view because they’re made through campaign manager Paul Parscale’s private company, Parscale Strategy, based in San Antonio, sources told the Times. Typically, such payments would be part of public filings required by the Federal Election Commission so that donors can find out how their contributions are being used — in this case, to pay members of the president’s family.

The family benefits are linked to a network of politically connected private companies — operating with the support and help of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner — that have charged roughly $75 million since 2017 to the Trump reelection campaign, the Republican National Committee and other Republican clients, according to the Times. 

Guilfoyle last year angrily confronted Parscale about late checks owed to her, two witnesses told the Times. He reportedly promised that the situation would be rectified by his wife, Candice Parscale, who often handles his company accounts.

One of Lara Trump’s most notorious contributions to her father-in-law’s campaign early this year was to mock rival Joe Biden’s stutter, which he has grappled with since he was a child.

She was initially hired as a senior consultant in early 2017 by another Parscale company, digital vender Giles-Parscale, also based in San Antonio, The Associated Press reported. Lara Trump was to serve as a liaison between the company and Donald Trump’s campaign, headquartered in Manhattan’s Trump Tower, which is owned by the president’s Trump Organization. Parscale was named Trump’s reelection campaign manager the following year. 

The Trump campaign announced in January that Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality who stated dating Trump Jr. two years ago, would lead the joint fundraising drive between the campaign and the RNC.

Guilfoyle left Fox News in 2018 following a human resources investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct, HuffPost reported at the time. An attorney for Guilfoyle denied all accusations as “unequivocally baseless.”

HuffPost could not immediately reach Parscale for comment.

Parscale declined to comment to the Times “in detail” on the article, the paper reported. He has, however, said in the past that private companies provide greater flexibility in a campaign, given campaign finance law requirements, noted the Times.  

[AOL]

Trump hotels charge Secret Service up to $650 per night while protecting him

Secret Service personnel traveling with President Trump to his private luxury properties in Palm Beach, Fla., and Bedminster, N.J., pay rates as high at $650 per night for lodging, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post.

The Post investigation tallied the amount of taxpayer dollars spent in Trump’s properties and found that the Secret Service spent $159,000 at Trump’s D.C. hotel in his first year alone. In the president’s out-of-state properties, the Trump company is recorded as charging as much as $17,000 per month for rent.

The newspaper noted that after a thorough search of rentals in the area for comparable homes, the average cost for rent was $3,400. 

Trump previously told The Hill in 2015 that he “would rarely leave the White House because there’s so much work to be done,” but currently he often visits his properties in Florida and New Jersey, Secret Service in tow. 

In an October interview with Yahoo News, Eric Trump, the executive vice president of The Trump Organization, answered questions about the president’s decision to host the 2020 Group of Seven summit at the president’s golf club, Trump National Doral Miami in Florida.

“If my father travels, they stay at our properties for free,” Trump said. “So everywhere that he goes, if he stays at one of his places, the government actually spends, meaning it saves a fortune because if they were to go to a hotel across the street, they’d be charging them $500 a night, whereas, you know we charge them, like $50.”

Those numbers don’t match the Post’s findings. Trump told the Post that the company is legally required to charge a fee, though they were unable to find what law he was citing.

The Post’s report comes just hours before an appeals court ruled that Democrats cannot sue President Trump over emoluments claims.

More than 200 House and Senate Democrats alleged that the president’s holdings and refusal to put his business assets into a blind trust violates the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts from foreign countries. 

The lawmakers’ lawsuit claimed that foreign diplomats’ patronage to Trump hotels is exactly the kind of entanglement that the framers of the Constitution hoped to avoid. 

Separately, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have requested details on Trump’s travel costs as part of negotiations over legislation regulating the Secret Service. However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told the committee that he opposes releasing that information until December, after the general election.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

[The Hill]

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