WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Recent financial disclosures reveal that U.S. President Donald Trump acquired approximately $100 million in municipal and corporate bonds between mid-November and late December. Among these purchases were up to $2 million in bonds from Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery, made just weeks after the companies announced their planned merger.
The documents, posted on Thursday and Friday, indicate that most of Trump's acquisitions were municipal bonds issued by cities, local school districts, utilities, and hospitals. He also bought bonds from corporations such as Boeing, Occidental Petroleum, and General Motors.
These investments represent the latest additions to Trump's growing portfolio while he serves in office. The portfolio includes holdings in sectors that may be influenced by his policy decisions, leading to inquiries about potential conflicts of interest.
In December, Trump stated he would have a role in determining whether Netflix can proceed with its proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, which is also facing a competing bid from Paramount Skydance. Any acquisition of Warner Bros would require regulatory approval.
A White House official, speaking anonymously on Friday, said Trump's stock and bond portfolio is managed independently by third-party financial institutions. The official added that neither Trump nor any family member has the ability to direct, influence, or provide input on how the portfolio is invested.
Trump regularly buys bonds as part of his investment strategy, similar to many wealthy individuals. Previous disclosures showed he purchased at least $82 million in bonds from late August to early October.