The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is investigating a series of suspicious oil trades executed just before the Trump administration shifted its policy toward Iran. These trades, which appear timed to profit from the resulting market volatility, have now expanded into a broader probe of potential insider trading within the highest levels of the U.S. Government.
The scrutiny has already reached the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under suspicion after reports surfaced that a broker acting on his behalf attempted to invest in leading defense companies in the weeks leading up to the outbreak of war. Senator Elizabeth Warren welcomed the CFTC’s initial steps but argued that regulators must dig deeper to determine if government officials used non-public information to secure financial gains.
Donald Trump is attacking Pope Leo over Iran policy
President Trump has escalated a public feud with Pope Leo, the American-born head of the Catholic Church, who has condemned the war against Iran. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed the Iranian regime killed at least 42,000 unarmed protesters over the last two months and argued that the country’s possession of a nuclear bomb is „absolutely unacceptable.“
The Pope has warned that democracies lacking a moral foundation risk sliding into a „tyranny of the majority.“ Trump responded with rhetorical attacks, demanding the pontiff „get it together“ and stop interfering in political affairs.
This friction took a surreal turn when the President shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure healing the sick. Trump later deleted the image after it sparked outrage even among his own supporters, claiming he simply intended to be portrayed as a doctor.
The Justice Department wants to vacate January 6 convictions
Although the administration manages foreign conflicts, it’s simultaneously attempting to dismantle the legal aftermath of the 2021 Capitol attack. The U.S. Department of Justice has petitioned a federal appeals court to drop seditious conspiracy charges against twelve leading members of the „Proud Boys“ and „Oath Keepers.“
These individuals were convicted under the previous Biden administration. If the court grants the request, it would effectively wipe out the final remaining convictions related to the Capitol riot.
The Department of Justice has not responded to requests for comment. This move mirrors the pattern of executive efforts to shield political allies from judicial consequences, a tactic seen in various administrations when the legal system clashes with political loyalty.
Who is currently being investigated for insider trading?
The CFTC is looking into suspicious oil bets made prior to Iran-related decisions. Specifically, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under suspicion since a broker he employed tried to invest in major defense firms just before the war began.
What is the status of the January 6 legal cases?
The U.S. Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to overturn the convictions of twelve members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. If successful, the last remaining sentences for the Capitol attack would be vacated.
