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Marjorie Taylor Greene Buys Major Tech Stocks Ahead of Trump’s Tariff Pause as AOC Argues: ‘It’s Time to Ban Insider Trading in Congress’

Barchart·04/14/2025 10:02:45
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In a series of timely and potentially controversial stock trades, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) disclosed purchases in companies poised to benefit from President Donald Trump’s newly announced temporary rollback of tariffs on Chinese electronics and related imports. The disclosures align closely with Trump’s public push to ease inflation concerns by lifting import taxes on key consumer tech products and manufacturing inputs.

The stock purchases have gone viral amid renewed skepticism over politicians trading individual stocks. Greene’s net worth is estimated at roughly $22 million, according to Quiver Quantitative. The majority of her net worth appears to come from a 51% ownership interest in “Taylor Commercial Inc.” a commercial real estate firm that’s been around since 1969. Greene purchased Taylor Commercial in 2002. 

Strategic Stock Moves Under the Microscope

According to House of Representatives financial disclosures filed on April 11, Greene made at least 20 trades in a broad array of companies, many of which are deeply embedded in the consumer electronics, logistics, and semiconductor supply chain sectors — industries that stand to benefit most from the tariff rollbacks. Trump announced plans over the weekend to roll back more tariffs on consumer electronics, including smartphones and computers, alongside broader tariff relief late last week.

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Each trade is reported to be a purchase of stock worth up to $15,000, though specific amounts and share prices are not disclosed. Among the companies Greene invested in:

  • Qualcomm (QCOM): Semiconductor and smartphone chipmaker
  • Apple (AAPL): Iconic consumer electronics brand, heavily exposed to Chinese manufacturing
  • Dell Technologies (DELL): PC and server manufacturer
  • Lam Research (LRCX): Semiconductor fabrication tools provider
  • Impinj (PI): RFID and IoT tech, reliant on imported components
  • FedEx (FDX) and Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL): Logistics firms expected to see increased import volumes
  • Amazon (AMZN): Retail giant whose margins benefit from lower import costs
  • Nike (NKE) and Lululemon (LULU): Apparel companies with extensive Asia-based supply chains
  • Caterpillar (CAT) and Norfolk Southern (NSC): Industrial and rail companies affected by goods flow
  • JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Southern Company (SO): Broad bets possibly tied to macroeconomic movement

The trades were executed between April 8 and April 9, according to Quiver Quantitative. Notably, the president’s initial April 9 pause on reciprocal tariffs was followed by Trump’s April 12 announcement, in which he enacted a temporary pause on tariffs targeting electronics, smartphones, and critical hardware imports from China.

Investors should note that Greene separately disclosed multiple transactions dated April 3 and April 4 in an April 7 filing. 

Insider Knowledge or Fortunate Timing?

Greene’s timing has drawn scrutiny given her close political alignment with Trump. While there is no evidence of insider coordination, the overlap between the announcement and her investments has reignited debate over lawmakers trading individual stocks. Those on the opposite side of the political aisle are jumping on the chance to call out their political opponents. Notably, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), also known as AOC, took to Elon Musk-owned X to blast the trades and others. 

"Any member of Congress who purchased stocks in the last 48 hours should probably disclose that now... It’s time to ban insider trading in Congress," wrote AOC on her own account.

“From tweeting people to buy stock and then later announcing his development on taxes, if people are pissed about insider trading here at the House, look at what’s happening at the White House,” AOC added in an interview. She went on to say “it sure seems like he did” when asked if she thought Trump knew what he was doing. 

The comments come in reference to a Truth Social post by Trump around 10 a.m. Eastern on April 9 in which he wrote, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT.” 

Later that day, Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, causing markets to rocket as much as 9%-12%. 

Trump’s recent announcements are designed to undercut inflationary pressure and ease the current tech route by making phones, computers, and semiconductors more affordable. The U.S. is currently in a race with China to become the leader in AI infrastructure and technology, and without the exemptions, the increased costs could result in a substantial setback for the country. 


On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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