Trump's Million-Dollar Bond Moves: A Financial Power Play Amidst Merger Deals

Former U.S. President Donald Trump invested in municipal and corporate bonds totaling around $100 million, including significant purchases in Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery bonds, shortly after their merger announcement. Questions arise regarding potential conflicts of interest as some bond acquisitions may benefit from policies during Trump's tenure.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made significant investments in municipal and corporate bonds, purchasing around $100 million worth from mid-November to late December, as per his latest financial disclosures. These investments include up to $2 million in Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery bonds, acquired shortly after the companies announced their merger.

The disclosures, released on Thursday and Friday, reveal that the bulk of Trump's purchases were municipal bonds from cities, school districts, utilities, and hospitals. Additionally, Trump invested in bonds from corporations like Boeing, Occidental Petroleum, and General Motors. These acquisitions have sparked discussions about potential conflicts of interest, given the benefits some sectors might derive from policies enacted during his presidency.

A White House official clarified that Trump's portfolio is managed by independent third-party financial institutions, ensuring neither Trump nor his family can influence investment decisions. Trump's bond purchases are a regular part of his investment strategy, with previous disclosures indicating at least $82 million in bond acquisitions from late August to early October.

(With inputs from agencies.)