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

President Trump has been on a shopping spree, snapping up bonds worth at least $82 million from late August to early October. This news comes from financial disclosures made public recently. The purchases are a mix of corporate and municipal bonds, with a significant chunk tied to public agencies like states, counties, and school districts. Trump's new bond investments cover various industries, including those that have benefited from his administration's policies, like financial deregulation. Some notable companies in his portfolio include tech giants like Broadcom, Qualcomm, and Meta Platforms, retailers such as Home Depot and CVS Health, and big banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Interestingly, Trump also bought bonds from Intel, a company in which the U. S. government has a stake, thanks to Trump's direction. He also invested in JP Morgan 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. The White House has not commented on these investments, but it's 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. Since returning to the presidency, Trump has made significant bond purchases, totaling over $100 million. His annual disclosure for the 2024 calendar year showed over $600 million in income from various ventures, including cryptocurrencies, golf properties, and licensing deals. Overall, his assets are valued at over $1. 6 billion. These investments raise questions about potential conflicts of interest, as Trump's income ultimately flows back to him. It's a complex situation that blends politics, finance, and personal wealth.