Vance defends Trump's massive stock-trading spree

New disclosures reveal that former President Donald Trump engaged in over 3,700 stock trades during the first three months of 2026, with several transactions occurring just before favorable regulatory decisions. Senator JD Vance publicly defended the trading activity, arguing that it was within legal bounds and did not constitute insider trading. The filings, released by the Office of Government Ethics, show a significant increase in trading volume compared to previous periods. Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given the timing of trades relative to policy announcements. Vance dismissed these criticisms, stating that Trump's trades were part of a diversified portfolio managed by a third-party advisor. The disclosures have reignited debates about ethics rules for public officials and the need for stricter oversight.