White House warns staff over insider trading amid Iran war bets surge

April 11, 2026

TL;DR

The White House issued a warning to staff against using insider information for financial trading.
The warning comes amid reports of significant trading surges in oil futures and prediction markets related to the Iran conflict.
Federal employees are prohibited from using non-public information for personal gain.
Concerns were raised after large oil futures trades occurred shortly before a US policy shift on Iran.
Some prediction market accounts reportedly profited by correctly anticipating events related to Iran.
Critics, like Senator Richard Blumenthal, believe prediction markets can facilitate insider trading and leaks.
There is no evidence of leaks or misuse of insider information within the administration, according to officials.
Media reports have highlighted unusual trading activity around other conflict-related events.
Polymarket apologized for allowing bets on the rescue of US airmen from Iran.

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