US President Donald Trump traded Coupang stocks 18 times between October (last year) and May (this year), according to financial disclosure records released by the US Office of Government Ethics (OGE). The transactions, conducted via two separate investment accounts, included multiple purchases and sales totaling up to $250,000 at peak, with current estimated holdings of up to $130,000 (approximately 200 million won). The disclosure has sparked conflict-of-interest concerns as Coupang has become a focal point in US-Korea trade tensions, with the Trump administration publicly supporting Coupang's claims of discriminatory treatment by the South Korean government.
Trump Executes 18 Coupang Stock Transactions Across Two Accounts
Trump initiated Coupang stock purchases on October 9 (last year) through two investment accounts, followed by multiple sales on October 16 and throughout November (last year). He resumed buying in December (last year), sold portions in January (this year), and executed a large-scale purchase of up to $250,000 (approximately 382.5 million won) in February (this year). The final transactions occurred on May 18 and May 22 (this year), both sales. The OGE records indicate the dual-account structure resulted in split transaction entries for the same stock. Trump's current Coupang holdings are estimated at a maximum of $130,000 (approximately 200 million won), a modest portion of his overall wealth. However, returns appear negative: the February (this year) purchases occurred when Coupang traded near $18 per share, while the May (this year) sales took place after the stock dropped to approximately $15 per share. The OGE filing lists income from this investment as "none or $201 or less."
Conflict-of-Interest Concerns Emerge Amid US-Korea Trade Dispute
The timing of Trump's Coupang stock transactions aligns with key developments in US-Korea tensions over the company. Sales in mid-October to mid-November (last year) preceded Coupang's announcement of a data breach incident. The December (last year) re-purchase coincided with heightened US attention on South Korea's "Coupang hearing." From January (this year) onward, US political figures began asserting that the South Korean government discriminated against Coupang, followed by closed-door testimony before the US House Judiciary Committee in February (this year). On the 1st (no month specified in source), the House Judiciary Committee released a report alleging South Korean discrimination against US companies including Coupang. Trump has stated he does not directly manage his investment accounts and that external managers make independent decisions. However, critics note that unlike previous presidents who placed assets in blind trusts during their terms, Trump retains the ability to review his portfolio details at any time. The White House's recent endorsement of the House "Coupang report" — which echoes Coupang's claims — has intensified conflict-of-interest scrutiny.
Trump Administration Officials Received Fees from Coupang
Key Trump administration officials responsible for trade and foreign policy also disclosed financial relationships with Coupang. Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative (USTR), reported receiving $10,000 from Coupang in May (previous year, no specific year stated in source) for speaking and consulting services while serving as a partner at law firm King & Spalding. Greer also received $20,000 from Hyundai Motor during the same period for similar services. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs overseeing Korea policy, disclosed providing consulting services to Coupang and receiving compensation exceeding the $5,000 annual reporting threshold (exact amount not publicly released). Hooker also received fees from SK, POSCO, Hyundai Motor, and Samsung Electronics under the same arrangement. She previously served as Senior Vice President at American Global Strategies (AGS), a consulting firm chaired by Robert O'Brien (Trump's first-term National Security Advisor), where Coupang was a client.
FAQ
What stock transactions did Trump conduct between October (last year) and May (this year)?
Trump executed 18 Coupang stock transactions via two investment accounts, starting with purchases on October 9 (last year), followed by sales in October and November (last year), re-purchases in December (last year), a large buy of up to $250,000 in February (this year), and final sales on May 18 and May 22 (this year). His current estimated holdings total up to $130,000 (approximately 200 million won).
Why are Trump's Coupang stock trades raising conflict-of-interest concerns?
The trades occurred during escalating US-Korea trade tensions over Coupang, including South Korea's "Coupang hearing," US House Judiciary Committee investigations, and the release of a report alleging South Korean discrimination against Coupang. Trump retains the ability to review his portfolio details, unlike previous presidents who used blind trusts, and the White House has publicly endorsed Coupang's claims against the South Korean government.
