Financial data analysed by the British Broadcasting Corporation suggests a pattern of large trades placed shortly before major market-moving announcements by President Donald Trump during his second term. In several cases involving oil prices and stock markets, significant bets were made minutes before public statements on foreign policy or tariffs, generating substantial profits once markets reacted. Some analysts say the timing bears the hallmarks of illegal insider trading, while others argue that experienced traders may simply be anticipating the president’s actions.

Notable examples include sharp movements in oil markets ahead of statements about tensions involving Iran, as well as stock market surges preceding a pause in sweeping tariffs. In multiple instances, unusually high volumes of trades were recorded shortly before the president’s remarks became public, leading to windfall gains for those involved. Senior Democratic lawmakers have urged federal regulators to investigate whether administration insiders benefited.

Online prediction platforms have also come under scrutiny. Accounts on blockchain-based betting markets placed successful wagers on geopolitical events, including the removal of Venezuela’s president and military action involving Iran, shortly before official announcements. Some of these accounts stopped trading after collecting large profits, raising further questions.

Regulators say they have zero tolerance for fraud and insider trading, and new rules have been introduced on prediction platforms to strengthen oversight. However, legal experts note that insider trading cases are difficult to prosecute, particularly when authorities cannot identify the original source of confidential information. None of the financial authorities contacted confirmed any active investigations linked to the trades examined.