Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration dropped sanctions on Russian oil already at sea — The Trump administration removed sanctions on Russian oil that was already in transit, providing Russia with an estimated injection of up to $10 billion per month into its cash-strapped war effort against Ukraine. This occurred despite reports that Russia is simultaneously aiding Iran in its conflict with the United States.

Supporting reports

• Trump purchased Micron stock before publicly touting the company on Fox News — On March 25, 2026, President Trump purchased between $50,000 and $100,000 in Micron stock in an "unsolicited" transaction. The next day, March 26, Trump called into Fox News' "The Five" and publicly praised Micron as "one of the hottest companies," stating he had recently met with Micron's top executive. Between March 2 and March 25, Trump purchased between $217,000 and $530,000 in Micron stock, including four unsolicited transactions. These purchases and the timing of Trump's public remarks about Micron had not previously been reported. The transactions were disclosed on May 14.

Supporting reports

• DOJ settled with pardoned Michael Flynn for $1.2 million — The Justice Department reached a settlement with pardoned former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, awarding him $1.2 million in taxpayer funds. Flynn had previously pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's ambassador to the United States and was later pardoned by Trump. The settlement represents a reversal of the government's position against Flynn.
• Justice Department Settles with Michael Flynn — The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Michael Flynn, a former national security advisor to Donald Trump. This settlement is part of a series of financial agreements that have resulted in Trump allies receiving substantial sums of taxpayer money. The details of the settlement have not been disclosed, but it continues a pattern of financial dealings involving individuals close to the former president. This development raises questions about the use of public funds and the accountability of government financial settlements.
• Michael Flynn and DOJ settled political targeting lawsuit — Michael Flynn and the Department of Justice agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Flynn over his claims of political targeting in a 2017 case in which he initially pleaded guilty. A judge had previously tossed Flynn's lawsuit in 2024. His attorneys filed an amended complaint last June after Trump took office. Flynn served as National Security Advisor during Trump's first term before resigning after less than a month.
• DOJ announced settlement with Michael Flynn — The Department of Justice announced a settlement with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with Russian operative Sergey Kislyak before Trump took office. Trump later pardoned Flynn, who subsequently worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Flynn had sued the DOJ for $50 million in damages in 2023, claiming wrongful prosecution due to his association with Trump. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2024, but Flynn's lawyers renewed the case after Trump's reelection, leading to DOJ negotiations. The settlement amount was approximately $1.2 million.
• DOJ announces settlement with Michael Flynn — The Department of Justice announced a settlement with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor, who had previously pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Flynn's lawsuit against the DOJ for $50 million was dismissed, but negotiations led to a settlement, reportedly amounting to approximately $1.2 million.

Supporting reports

• Trump's Truth Social post about Iran negotiations preceded unusual market activity and volume spikes. — At approximately 6:50 AM ET, before Trump's 7:05 AM Truth Social post claiming productive Iran negotiations, S&P 500 futures and West Texas Intermediate oil futures recorded sharp, isolated volume spikes during thin premarket trading. Trump's announcement at 7:05 AM triggered an immediate 2.5% surge in S&P 500 futures and a nearly 6% drop in oil futures. Within 56 minutes, the market swung $3 trillion in total market capitalization as Iran denied the claims. CNBC reported the unusual volume activity preceded the announcement.
• Evidence emerged of potential market manipulation tied to Trump's Iran announcements — Reporters including Yun Li at CNBC documented that approximately fifteen minutes before Trump's announcement of "triumphal progress" in Iran negotiations, there was a sudden and sharp jump in S&P 500 futures and oil futures. Economist Paul Krugman noted that someone with insider knowledge could have profited substantially by selling crude oil futures at high prices (Brent crude over $112 on the weekend) and buying them back immediately after Trump's announcement but before Iran's denial, realizing large profits.
• Economist alleges insider trading on false Iran war announcement — Economist Paul Krugman reported that trading volume in S&P 500 and oil futures spiked approximately 15 minutes before Trump announced false U.S.-Iran war negotiations, with oil futures alone worth roughly $580 million. Krugman characterized the pattern as potential "insider trading" and "treason," suggesting that confidential national security information was exploited for private financial gain. The Financial Times estimated the scale of the trades; Krugman called for investigation into the identities of traders and whether they had direct access to classified information or paid intermediaries for tips.
• Suspicious trading in S&P 500 and oil futures preceded Iran announcement — Trading in S&P 500 and oil futures occurred approximately fifteen minutes before Trump announced his team had been negotiating with Iran, despite the announcement later being revealed as false. The timing raised public accusations of insider trading on national security information, potentially endangering Americans by compromising classified information.
• Trader profited nearly $1 million from prescient Polymarket bets on US-Israeli military actions — A trader made nearly $1 million since 2024 from dozens of well-timed Polymarket bets predicting US and Israeli military actions against Iran, winning 93% of their 5-figure wagers on unannounced military operations. The trader placed prescient bets hours before Israeli strikes in October 2024, US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, and the joint US-Israeli surprise strikes on February 28, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Elon Musk offered to pay TSA salaries during funding impasse — Elon Musk posted: "I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country." NBC senior politics reporter Jonathan Allen responded that this would "almost certainly violate anti-bribery laws" and noted there is "a reason that federal workers are banned from accepting salaries from sources other than the federal govt."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil at sea — On Friday, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil currently at sea in an attempt to lower global oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran after the February 28 U.S. attack. The action enables Iran to sell approximately 140 million barrels of oil worth about $14 billion, including to the United States and China. Iranian oil has been under sanctions since 1979.
• Treasury Department lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea to lower energy prices — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on March 21 that the Treasury Department was temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto ships as of that date, through April 19. The license allows most countries to purchase the Iranian oil. According to NBC, at current prices the oil would be worth more than $14 billion for Tehran. The administration argued Iran would have difficulty accessing the revenue, but the mechanism for preventing access was unclear. The move occurred during active U.S. military conflict with Iran.
• U.S. temporarily waives sanctions on Iranian oil — The United States temporarily waived sanctions on Iranian oil at sea, allowing it to flow despite escalating military tensions with Iran. This decision has been criticized as contradictory, as it effectively funds a conflict against U.S. interests. The waiver reflects the administration's prioritization of economic factors over strategic military objectives, raising concerns about the coherence of U.S. foreign policy.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent stated U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil as part of strategy — When asked on NBC why the U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil, helping Iran obtain $14 billion in oil revenue while at war with the U.S., Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded: "We have always planned for this contingency. In essence, we are jujitsuing the Iranians." Sen. Chris Murphy countered that Trump is "suspending sanctions on Iran and Russia, which will put over $15 billion in their treasuries to help them fund the wars against us."
• Russia increased crude oil sales due to eased sanctions — Ukrainian President Zelensky stated: "Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles. Over that same week, due to the easing of sanctions, Russia increased its crude oil sales to finance its war. Revenues give Russia a sense of impunity and the ability to continue the war. That is why pressure must continue and sanctions must work."
• Trump lifted Treasury sanctions on Iranian oil while claiming to oppose sanctions relief. — Trump announced that Treasury had lifted sanctions on Iranian oil. When asked about this in light of his past criticism of President Obama for providing Iran $1.7 billion, Trump stated he wanted "as much oil in the system as possible" and claimed "We don't even know that Iran gets that money." The statement appeared to contradict his earlier public opposition to sanctions relief for Iran.

Supporting reports

• ProPublica report detailed $220 million DHS ad contract to cronies — A November 2025 ProPublica report by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski documented that the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $220 million contract for a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign to cronies. The contract circumvented transparency laws by being awarded to a small company that then subcontracted the work to associates of Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski. Trump allegedly commented on the arrangement: "Corey made out on that one."

Supporting reports

• Treasury Secretary Bessent announces potential removal of sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on March 19 that the Trump administration may remove sanctions on approximately 140 million barrels of Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea within days. The stated rationale is to increase global oil supply and reduce prices amid Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A potential waiver mechanism similar to one used for Russian oil would allow sales of the stranded crude within a narrow timeframe. The administration also announced unilateral releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Supporting reports

• Sergey Brin donates $45m total to Super PACs opposing California billionaire wealth tax — Google co-founder Sergey Brin contributed $25m to the Super PAC "Building a Better California," adding to a prior $20m donation, for a total of $45m aimed at blocking California's proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt added $1.02m to his previous $2m contribution. The tax would apply to California residents worth over $1bn and would generate revenue for education, food assistance, and healthcare. Brin relocated to Nevada in late 2025, potentially to avoid the tax's residency requirement.

Supporting reports

• Commerce Department reported slower-than-expected economic growth and rising inflation — The Commerce Department reported that economic growth in the final three months of 2025 was much slower than expected, with GDP rising at a seasonally and inflation-adjusted annual rate of just 0.7% in Q4. The first revision of the GDP reading was a sharp step down from the previous estimate of 1.4% and well below the Dow Jones consensus forecast of 1.5%. Core inflation rose to start 2026.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon reported rapid depletion of advanced munitions in Iran war — The Financial Times reported that the U.S. has burned through years' worth of munitions since the start of the Iran war, with concerns mounting about rising costs and the ability to replenish stockpiles. The rapid depletion includes advanced long-range Tomahawk missiles. The Pentagon is set to request $50 billion in additional spending for military operations.

Supporting reports

• White House signed Executive Order 14393 directing regulatory review of mortgage lending rules — President Trump signed Executive Order 14393 on March 13, 2026, directing federal financial regulators to review and revise rules governing mortgage origination, servicing, disclosure, capital requirements, and appraisal standards. The order states that regulatory burdens adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act have reduced community bank participation in mortgage lending and limited access to credit for creditworthy borrowers. It instructs the CFPB, Federal Reserve, FDIC, NCUA, FHFA, HUD, VA, and other agencies to consider tailoring requirements for smaller banks, modernizing disclosure and appraisal processes, and revising supervisory guidance to emphasize borrower outcomes over technical compliance.
• Trump issued executive order reducing mortgage lending regulations for community banks — President Trump signed an executive order on March 13, 2026, directing federal financial regulators to reduce compliance burdens on community banks and smaller lenders in mortgage origination and servicing. The order instructs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Reserve, FDIC, NCUA, and other agencies to consider tailoring ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage rules, modernizing appraisal standards, streamlining disclosure requirements, and revising capital regulations to encourage community bank participation in mortgage lending. The stated rationale is that post-Dodd-Frank regulations have reduced access to credit for creditworthy borrowers, particularly in rural and low-to-moderate-income areas.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order directing regulatory changes to mortgage lending — The White House published a fact sheet on March 13, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal banking regulators to reduce regulatory burdens on mortgage lending. The order calls for streamlined documentation, revised supervisory guidance, modernized appraisal rules, digital mortgage modernization, and capital/liquidity reforms. The fact sheet states the order aims to increase community bank participation in lending and reduce mortgage costs for creditworthy borrowers, particularly rural, low- and moderate-income, and first-time homebuyers.

Supporting reports

• Republican farm bill includes pesticide liability shields and EPA veto provisions — The Republican-led farm bill proposes multiple provisions weakening pesticide regulation, including granting the USDA veto power over EPA health safeguards, creating a private-sector work group to shape endangered-species protections, delaying safety reviews for hundreds of pesticides by five years, and shielding pesticide manufacturers from state-level lawsuits alleging failure to warn about health risks including cancer. Critics characterize it as an industry giveaway that undermines environmental and public-health protections.

Supporting reports

• Trump purchased Apple stock the same day he publicly praised the company in a Kentucky speech — On March 11, 2026, President Trump delivered a speech in Kentucky in which he singled out Apple and CEO Tim Cook for extensive praise, highlighting Apple's $2.5 billion investment in glass manufacturing and $650 billion in U.S. plant expansion. The same day, Trump purchased between $250,000 and $500,000 of Apple stock in an "unsolicited" transaction. Trump had also purchased between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 of Apple stock on March 2 in an unsolicited purchase. In total, Trump purchased between $2 million and $7.2 million in Apple stock during March 2026, including five unsolicited purchases. These transactions were not publicly disclosed until May 14.
• Trump purchased stock in Thermo Fisher the same day he publicly praised the company at a facility tour — On March 11, 2026, President Trump toured a Thermo Fisher Scientific manufacturing facility in Reading, Ohio, where he publicly praised the company and its CEO Marc Casper, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to contract with Thermo Fisher for U.S. manufacturing. The same day, Trump purchased between $15,000 and $50,000 of Thermo Fisher stock in an "unsolicited" transaction (initiated by the customer, not recommended by a broker). Trump had also purchased between $51,000 and $115,000 of Thermo Fisher stock on February 12 and another $15,000–$50,000 on March 2, totaling as much as $215,000 in the month prior to the tour. Trump did not publicly disclose these purchases until May 14, when they appeared on page 38 of his financial disclosure form.

Supporting reports

• US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs; $175bn in refunds ordered but claims face legal hurdles — The US Supreme Court invalidated Donald Trump's tariff regime, opening the door to approximately $175 billion in refunds for businesses that paid import taxes. A US trade court judge ordered the government to begin paying refunds to importers who paid tariffs deemed illegally collected. However, the refund process faces significant legal and practical obstacles. Trump stated the issue could remain tied up in courts "for the next five years." Small-business owners across multiple sectors report skepticism about pursuing claims due to complexity, legal costs, and uncertainty about government compliance.

Supporting reports

• Gasoline prices rose 14 percent amid Iran conflict — As a result of the Iran military operations, approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply ceased transit through the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to surge. Gasoline prices rose 14 percent in a single week, with further increases anticipated in jet fuel and diesel affecting transportation and agricultural sectors. The economic impact contradicted the administration's earlier justification for cutting domestic social programs due to fiscal constraints.
• California gas prices exceed $5 per gallon amid Iran conflict — California's average gas price reached $5.20 per gallon on 9 March 2026, a $0.55 increase since the Iran conflict began over a week prior, compared to the national average of $3.47. The price spike reflects broader oil market disruption caused by damaged Middle Eastern facilities and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Governor Newsom's office attributed the increase directly to Trump's military actions, while the Trump administration characterized the price surge as a temporary disruption justified by removing Iran from power.
• Oil prices spiked to highest level since 2022 due to Iran war — The price of oil spiked overnight to its highest level since global trade surged in 2022 after COVID-19 lockdowns, briefly exceeding $100 per barrel. News that the Group of Seven advanced economies was willing to consider releasing strategic oil reserves brought prices down from their highs. A dropping stock market reflected the spike in oil prices, though drops moderated after news about possible strategic reserve releases and Trump's claim that the war was ending. The market ended higher than it began.
• Strait of Hormuz closure triggers severe global energy crisis — The stoppage of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered what Wall Street Journal reporters describe as "the most severe energy crisis since the 1970s" and is threatening the global economy. The strait carries not only oil but also fertilizer used for crops worldwide. Trump's March 3 offer of government insurance for shipping and possible Navy escorts has been insufficient to restore voyages.
• Oil prices surge amid Middle East conflict — West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 12% to $102.28 per barrel, surpassing $100 for the first time since mid-2022, while Brent crude traded 12% higher at $104.76 per barrel. The surge followed production cuts by Middle East countries amid ongoing regional conflict. Trump dismissed the price spike as a "very small price to pay" for eliminating the "Iran nuclear threat," while analysts noted the administration's war strategy has consumed U.S. munition stockpiles and forced redeployment of air defense systems from South Korea to the Gulf.
• US-Israel war on Iran disrupts oil supply, driving gas prices up across Michigan and the US — A US-Israel military conflict with Iran has crippled major portions of the global oil supply chain, sending gas prices surging. In Michigan, prices spiked 60 cents per gallon in one week, topping $4.30 near downtown Detroit. The average US price rose 27 cents. President Trump dismissed concerns as temporary, stating prices will "drop very rapidly when this is over." Detroit-area drivers expressed frustration over elevated fuel costs tied to the conflict, though reactions to the war itself were mixed.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon reported first week of Iran War cost approximately $6 billion — Pentagon officials told Congress that the first week of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran cost approximately $6 billion. Republicans are expecting the administration to seek additional funding from Congress for continued military operations.
• Pentagon briefs Congress on Iran war costs exceeding $11.3bn in first six days — Pentagon officials conducted a classified briefing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, March 12, 2026, informing top lawmakers that US military expenditures in the Iran conflict have already surpassed $11.3 billion in the first six days. The estimate, presented to Congress, focuses primarily on munitions costs and excludes additional expenses such as force deployment, medical care, and aircraft replacement. The Trump administration initiated the military conflict against Iran, and lawmakers are now seeking clarity on campaign scale and force positioning as scrutiny mounts.
• Pentagon reported first week of Iran war cost $11.3 billion — The Pentagon reported that the first week of military operations in the Iran war cost $11.3 billion. The figure represented the direct financial cost of the conflict to the US military.
• Pentagon reports high costs of military operations — Pentagon officials informed Congress that the military has expended $5.6 billion worth of munitions in the first two days of the war against Iran, with total costs exceeding $11.3 billion in the first six days. Lawmakers are concerned about the impact of these expenditures on U.S. military readiness for future conflicts.
• — Pentagon officials informed Congress that the military has expended $5.6 billion worth of munitions in the first two days of the war against Iran, with total costs exceeding $11.3 billion in the first six days, raising concerns about military readiness for future conflicts.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration eased oil sanctions to benefit Russia during Iran War — The Trump administration eased sanctions on Russian oil, allowing millions of barrels sitting on ships to go to India, with the financial benefit flowing to Russia as it wages war in Ukraine. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz acknowledged the policy but framed it as "common sense," while Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the U.S. is "temporarily suspending some sanctions on Russia to make Russian oil available."
• Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — The Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments in an effort to stabilize oil markets and reduce economic fallout from the Iran war. The move allows Russia to sell approximately 128 million barrels of oil previously loaded onto tankers facing U.S. restrictions. Brent crude futures closed above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Experts estimate Russia has already received approximately $150 million per day from increased oil sales since the U.S. attacked Iran two weeks prior, with Moscow earning an estimated $1.9 billion windfall in taxes on oil exports.
• Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — Late on March 13, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments, permitting sales to buyers worldwide until April 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cited the need to ease skyrocketing oil prices caused by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move contradicts G7 consensus; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated G7 heads had urged Trump not to ease sanctions, noting there was a price problem but not a supply problem, and questioned the U.S. government's additional motives.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Development Finance Corp Faces Shortfall for Strait of Hormuz Insurance — The U.S. Development Finance Corp is $200 billion short of the capacity needed to underwrite insurance policies for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has ordered the DFC to insure vessels in the region, but raising the liability cap would require congressional action. The shortfall affects global oil supply and trade.
• Treasury issues 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a temporary 30-day waiver permitting Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil to maintain global oil supply flows. The waiver signals a shift in sanctions enforcement to address energy market disruption caused by the Middle East conflict. Bessent stated the US anticipates India will increase purchases of US oil in return.

Supporting reports

• Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation donated $2 million to MAGA Inc. while DOI reconsidered rival tribe's casino eligibility — On March 5, 2026, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a 41-member California tribe, donated $2 million to MAGA Inc., President Trump's Super PAC. The donation occurred while the Department of the Interior was reconsidering a January 2025 decision that had approved a rival tribe's (Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians) casino project on restored lands. The Yocha Dehe, which operates a competing casino, had tripled its lobbying payments to Miller Strategies after Trump's election and engaged multiple lobbyists with Trump administration connections to pressure the DOI to reverse the Scotts Valley approval.

Supporting reports

• Secretary Rubio admitted Trump knew military strikes would raise gas prices — Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted in an interview that the Trump administration knew in advance that military strikes on Iran would raise gas prices for Americans. When asked about his message to Americans concerned about energy price increases, Rubio stated: "We knew that going in that it would be a factor so we have a program in place that will begin to be implemented." The bulletin notes that no such program is in place and gas prices are rising.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pays $1 billion to TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases — In March 2026, the Trump administration announced a deal paying nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to French energy firm TotalEnergies to terminate offshore wind lease projects off New York and North Carolina. TotalEnergies agreed to abandon the windfarms and pledge not to develop new offshore wind in the US, while investing hundreds of millions in oil and gas. On June 3, seven state attorneys general (led by New York's Letitia James) sued, arguing the deal violated the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Judgment Fund Act, and requesting the court strike down the agreement and halt implementation.

Supporting reports

• Securities and Exchange Commission settled lawsuit against Chinese billionaire Justin Sun for $10 million — The Securities and Exchange Commission settled a lawsuit against Chinese billionaire Justin Sun for securities and market manipulation, which had been filed in 2023, for a payment of $10 million in March 2026. Sun had been a major investor in World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture founded by Trump's sons, and had poured as much as $90 million into Trump family cryptocurrency ventures. The settlement occurred quietly and at a fraction of typical penalties for such violations.

Supporting reports

• Businesses file mass lawsuits for tariff refunds following Supreme Court ruling — Following the Supreme Court's 20 February ruling, hundreds of thousands of businesses have begun filing lawsuits to recover an estimated $175 billion in tariff costs. Law firms including Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan have launched dedicated "Tariff Refund Task Forces" to pursue claims. Trade lawyers report unprecedented demand for their services. Firms are charging flat fees of $10,000–$15,000 per case filing, with potential for additional billable hours if the Trump administration delays the refund process or requests extra documentation.
• AI firms offer to process tariff refund applications for percentage cuts — AI firms have begun offering services to businesses to process tariff refund applications in exchange for cuts of future refunds, reportedly taking 20 percent of recovered amounts. This represents another layer of profit extraction from the refund process, adding to fees charged by law firms and hedge funds acquiring claims.
• Hedge funds and investment banks acquire tariff refund claims from businesses — Following the Supreme Court ruling, hedge funds and investment banks including Jefferies, Oppenheimer, and Seaport Global Securities have begun brokering deals to purchase businesses' tariff refund claims at discounts. One Atlanta-based toymaker, Kids2, sold its $15 million tariff claim to a Boston hedge fund for $2 million upfront. These financial speculators are actively approaching law firms, brokers, and importers directly to acquire claims, with rates and interest increasing now that the legal merits have been resolved in businesses' favor.

Supporting reports

• Six newly-created accounts on Polymarket placed nearly $1 million in bets predicting U.S. strike on Iran hours before it occurred — In the hours before the February 28 U.S. strike on Iran, six newly-created accounts on the prediction market Polymarket placed nearly $1 million in bets that the U.S. would strike Iran by that date. One account, "dicedicedice," wagered nearly $30,000 and recorded a profit of about $120,000 hours later. Analytics sites flagged the trades as suspicious, with many observers suspecting the accounts benefited from insider knowledge. The international version of Polymarket does not require user identification and accepts crypto payments. Overall, $529 million was traded on Iran strike-related contracts. The White House denied anyone in Trump's orbit was involved, though Donald Trump Jr. serves as an advisor to both Polymarket and rival Kalshi.
• Polymarket account made $515,000 betting on Iran strikes before public announcement — A Polymarket account named "Magamyman" made $515,000 in a single day betting on the US strike on Iran, with the first trade placed 71 minutes before the news broke publicly. When the account bought in, the market had the strike at a 17% probability; the account turned roughly $87,000 into over half a million dollars overnight. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) noted that Donald Trump Jr. sits on Polymarket's advisory board and his firm invested double-digit millions into the platform in the previous year. The DOJ and CFTC had active investigations into Polymarket that were dropped after Trump took office.
• DOJ and CFTC dropped investigations into Polymarket after Trump took office — The DOJ and CFTC had active investigations into Polymarket that were dropped after Trump took office. This occurred in the context of the suspicious trading activity on the Iran strikes and Trump Jr.'s financial interest in the platform.