President's Big Bond Buys: What's the Deal?

Recent Financial Disclosures Reveal Extensive Investments

President Trump has been on a shopping spree, acquiring bonds worth at least $82 million from late August to early October. These purchases include a mix of corporate and municipal bonds, with a significant portion tied to public agencies such as states, counties, and school districts.

Diverse Portfolio Across Industries

Trump's new bond investments span various sectors, including those that have benefited from his administration's policies, such as financial deregulation. Some notable companies in his portfolio include:

• Tech Giants: Broadcom, Qualcomm, Meta Platforms
• Retailers: Home Depot, CVS Health
• Big Banks: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley

Notable Investments and Potential Conflicts

• Intel: Trump invested in Intel, a company in which the U.S. government has a stake due to his direction.
• JP Morgan: He purchased bonds around the same time he asked the Justice Department to investigate the bank's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. JP Morgan has since expressed regret over its past association with Epstein.

White House Response and Portfolio Management

The White House has not commented on these investments. However, it has been stated that Trump has no direct role in managing his portfolio, which is handled by a third party. Trump has previously mentioned that his companies are in a trust overseen by his children.

Significant Bond Purchases and Income

Since returning to the presidency, Trump has made significant bond purchases, totaling over $100 million. His 2024 annual disclosure showed over $600 million in income from various ventures, including:

• Cryptocurrencies
• Golf properties
• Licensing deals

His assets are valued at over $1.6 billion.

Questions of Conflict of Interest

These investments raise questions about potential conflicts of interest, as Trump's income ultimately flows back to him. This situation blends politics, finance, and personal wealth in a complex way.