Democrat Slams $1.5-B Stock Trade Before Trump Pauses Iran Attacks

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) raised concerns over a massive oil-related stock trade that occurred shortly before President Trump announced a five-day pause on energy infrastructure strikes in Iran, suggesting possible insider trading, Ashleigh Fields reported for The Hill.

According to Bloomberg, at least 6 million barrels of Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude were traded between 6:49 a.m. and 6:51 a.m., shortly before Trump’s 7:05 a.m. post.

In a post on X, highlighted by Murphy, a market observer noted that $1.5 billion in S&P 500 futures was purchased while $192 million in oil futures was sold just minutes before Trump’s announcement.

“$1.5 billion. Let me say it again—a $1.5 billion bet,” Murphy wrote.

“Who was it? Trump? A family member? A White House staffer? This is corruption. Mind-blowing corruption.”

According to Bloomberg, at least 6 million barrels of Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude were traded between 6:49 a.m. and 6:51 a.m., shortly before Trump’s 7:05 a.m. post.

Global markets, including Germany’s DAX Index futures and Euro Stoxx 50 futures, also saw unusual activity.