The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump officially warned government officials against using their positions for financial gain in the markets. On March 24, employees received a letter with a clear prohibition against such actions, in response to suspicious trading activities ahead of significant political announcements. In particular, unknown traders placed bets totaling around $580 million just 15 minutes before Trump’s speech regarding “productive negotiations” with Iran, which caused immediate market changes.
This is reported by Business • Media
Administration’s Response and New Legislative Initiatives
White House spokesperson Davis Engel emphasized the unacceptability of abusing insider information among government officials.
“While he [Trump] seeks a strong and profitable stock market for all, members of Congress and other government officials must be stripped of the ability to use non-public information for financial gain.”
Increased attention to this issue has already prompted a series of legislative initiatives. In the U.S., there is active discussion about tightening control over politicians’ participation in the cryptocurrency market and financial instruments related to potential insider trading. Among the key proposed bills are:
- MEME Act (Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement) — a ban on profiting from crypto assets for high-ranking officials;
- COIN Act — a complete ban on the U.S. President and their family members from creating, promoting, or sponsoring cryptocurrencies;
- Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act — a ban on officials with access to insider information from betting on political events through prediction markets;
- PREDICT Act — restrictions on the participation of the President, Vice President, and their families in prediction markets, especially regarding events related to government decisions.
Market Dynamics: Insiders Are Confident, but Energy Sector Is Cautious
Despite geopolitical tensions, the corporate sector shows confidence in market recovery. According to The Kobeissi Letter, in March, 26.4% of public companies in the U.S. recorded net insider purchases — the highest level in the last five months and exceeding the decade-long average of 23.5%. However, the energy sector is exhibiting caution: the share of insider purchases here has dropped to 17.5%, which may indicate expectations of falling oil prices.
The role of Trump’s political rhetoric remains significant for the volatility of financial markets. He stated:
“Iran is very bad, some would say — dishonest, allowing oil to be transported through the Strait of Hormuz. This is not the deal we have!”
Against the backdrop of a gradual de-escalation of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran at the end of March, when there were announcements of a potential end to the war within “two to three weeks” and a ceasefire agreement was reached, financial assets reacted immediately. Bitcoin surpassed $72,000, and oil prices began to decline. As of April 2026, Bitcoin is trading at $71,921.
Regulatory Prospects and Market Trust
American lawmakers are increasingly advocating for enhanced oversight and transparency in the financial activities of officials. The growing role of prediction markets, which experts refer to as a “macro radar” for timely assessment of political risks, allows investors to respond more quickly to changes in the political landscape. However, new restrictions could fundamentally change the rules of the game for government officials, increasing trust in the market among a broader range of investors.
Daily chart of BTC/USDT on Binance exchange. Source: TradingView.