Best Stocks to Buy Under Trump’s Administration

President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has triggered a renewed wave of market volatility. For traders and investors, these kinds of political transitions can either present major opportunities or serious risks. With the current administration issuing a record number of executive orders, aggressively pushing tariffs, and taking a clear stance on deregulation, traders need to stay focused on companies and sectors likely to benefit from these moves—or have their stock prices decrease if your shorting.

The best opportunities aren’t always found in trending stocks or hot headlines. They’re in names with exposure to policy-driven tailwinds—whether it’s increased defense spending, relaxed banking regulation, or domestic infrastructure investment. For those looking to speculate, the right timing and catalyst can offer big upside. But traders must stay disciplined and understand how policy shifts directly impact sectors and individual companies.

Below are the stocks and sectors I’m watching closely under Trump’s presidency, with a focus on momentum, volatility, and policy-aligned catalysts. These are setups worth monitoring, but just like any trade, nothing is guaranteed. Manage your risk, know your levels, and react—not predict.

Top Stocks Likely to Perform Well in Trump Presidency

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has injected fresh volatility into the stock market, as traders position around expected shifts in fiscal policy, tax cuts, and deregulation. Certain corporate-friendly sectors are getting renewed attention from investors and speculators alike. As I’ve taught students for years, it’s not about picking stocks based on politics—it’s about recognizing which tickers are benefiting from market-driven catalysts and aligning your strategy with that opportunity.

Stocks in sectors like energy, defense, and finance are seeing bullish sentiment as the administration’s policy-sensitive stance favors domestic businesses over global-trade-dependent operations. Shares of Tesla, Nvidia, and other tech-heavy names may still be in play, but new leadership tends to shift market focus to different pockets of the economy. Whether you’re looking at ETFs, individual stocks, or even bonds, the key is to analyze performance in context and stay alert to fluctuating sentiment.

With so much speculation surrounding executive orders, monetary policy, and regulatory changes, the most prepared traders will be those who can adapt quickly. Over two decades of trading experience has shown me that these politically charged markets can reward sharp timing—but they punish hesitation. Understanding where the money is flowing and why is what separates the consistent traders from those who chase headlines.

Before you send in your orders, take note: I have NO plans to trade these stocks unless they fit my preferred setups. This is only a watchlist.

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JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) — The Big Bank Stock

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Big bank. Big money. Not the kind of stock I normally trade—but when the government talks deregulation or interest rates, this thing moves. Trump’s back in office and already talking about rolling back financial rules. That’s the kind of news that can trigger gap-ups and squeeze shorts who get caught betting on weakness.

The administration’s push to ease banking oversight has potential to lift earnings, particularly if net interest margins widen again. While Fed rate cuts in early 2025 have pressured interest income, JPM has offset that with strength in equities trading and wealth management. Traders should watch this stock on policy headlines and volatility-driven moves in the financial sector.

I don’t care about the dividend. I care about how it reacts to Fed comments, economic data, and banking headlines. Earnings? Whatever. The reaction matters more than the numbers. If volume spikes and you see a multi-day breakout, it could be a solid swing trade—but always take singles, not home runs.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) — The Defense Stock

Defense names typically get a lift under Republican leadership, and Lockheed Martin has historically been one of the most reliable contractors when defense spending increases. But 2025 has brought setbacks. Lockheed recently lost the Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet contract to Boeing—a blow that sent the stock down sharply.

Still, LMT remains the backbone of U.S. military aircraft, missile systems, and defense technology. With heightened geopolitical risk and Trump’s commitment to rebuilding military strength, traders shouldn’t count Lockheed out. Delays in F-35 upgrades and margin pressures are weighing on sentiment, but the company’s $176 billion backlog shows strong future demand.

This is a politically sensitive stock, and it’s capable of big moves on contract announcements or Pentagon budget updates. Be cautious of dead-cat bounces—use volume and price action as your guide. If it regains momentum, the upside could be sharp, especially in speculative markets fueled by defense news.

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Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) — The Oil and Gas Giant

Oil and gas are hot again, and Trump’s administration is pushing pro-drilling policies. This is the type of setup where sector momentum matters more than the company itself. If oil prices run or there’s news about deregulation, XOM can become a slow but steady grinder.

XOM is already investing in carbon capture and low-emission tech, but its core strength is still traditional oil and gas.

Despite volatility in crude oil prices, Exxon remains one of the most well-capitalized energy stocks in the world. Its earnings from the Permian Basin and international operations remain strong, and a favorable regulatory environment under Trump could reduce costs and increase profitability. The stock trades near a historically reasonable valuation with a yield near 3.6%.

For traders, XOM is a slower mover—but when geopolitical tensions spike or supply constraints hit, it can move quickly. Rising inflation and commodity demand also favor oil plays. 

Use it as a sector indicator for smaller energy plays too—when Exxon moves, junk oil names start spiking.

Nucor (NYSE: NUE) — The Steel Tariff Play

This is your steel tariff play. Trump tweets about protecting American jobs or slapping tariffs on China? NUE spikes. Last time around, this stock ran off pure speculation and headlines. It’s happening again.

The company is heavily exposed to infrastructure, data centers, and reshoring initiatives. While its earnings have been choppy, its financial position is strong, and management continues to invest in expansion and technology. NUE is also one of the few steel names with consistent capital returns and a clean balance sheet.

Traders should be cautious of false breakouts—steel stocks are volatile and can turn quickly. It’s a great example of how news can trigger multi-day breakouts, especially when paired with technical levels. If volume confirms and shorts are stuck, this can be a solid momentum trade. 

GEO Group (NYSE: GEO) — The Private Prison Stock 

This one is crazy volatile and 100% news-driven. GEO runs on Trump’s immigration and detention policies. Every time there’s talk about border security or prison contracts, this stock goes wild. I’ve seen it double in a few days, then crash just as fast.

This is the kind of stock where you don’t want to guess—you want to react. No news = ignore. Breaking headlines = potential breakout. This isn’t a hold-and-hope play. It’s a scalp trade. Respect the risk. Use tight stops. Lock in gains. Never get greedy.

Best Sectors for Trading Under Trump

Some sectors have historically responded well to Republican administrations, particularly when the focus turns toward deregulated industries and domestic production. Under Trump, expect renewed interest in energy-focused, defense-oriented, and infrastructure-related sectors. These areas often benefit from increased government spending, relaxed regulations, and policies that aim to boost American businesses, products, and services.

In my teaching, I’ve emphasized how tracking sector momentum is just as important as analyzing individual stocks. High-growth names in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and platform-based tech still matter, but traders need to understand how broader trends—like shifts in fiscal policy or changes in interest rates—can shift capital into or out of entire industries. Trading isn’t just about what to buy, it’s about when to rotate into strength and out of weakness.

Energy, Defense, and Infrastructure Stocks

Expect these sectors to be front and center. The administration’s emphasis on energy independence, military strength, and American-made infrastructure gives an advantage to stimulus-boosted, recession-resistant companies with political tailwinds. As we’ve seen before, stocks tied to oil, natural gas, and military contractors can outperform in this environment.

If you want to get a better look at the kinds of stocks Trump himself is connected to, this breakdown of Trump’s stock portfolio will point you in the right direction.

These aren’t always the fastest movers, but when policy aligns with sector support, they often see sustained periods of increased demand. I’ve trained thousands of students to recognize these setups, especially when they coincide with contract announcements, tariff shifts, or supply chain adjustments. If you’re trading these names, timing and patience are everything.

Financial and Banking Sector

Trump’s stance on deregulation and lower taxes tends to benefit banks, particularly large institutions with exposure to loans, mortgages, and credit cards. If mortgage rates stay elevated and fiscal policy leans toward business expansion, financial stocks could gain favor. Look for changes in monetary policy to trigger moves in this group, especially if inflation remains a concern.

As someone who’s weathered both bull and bear markets, I teach that financial sector setups can be deceiving. Just because a bank stock is up doesn’t mean it’s safe. You need volume, liquidity, and a clear catalyst. Risk management matters more here than in fast-moving tech names. Don’t mistake temporary rallies for long-term trends.

Tech and Media Stocks Linked to Trump

Tech isn’t out of the picture—but the focus may shift. Under Trump, media platforms, AI-focused firms, and policy-sensitive tech names may come under pressure or benefit, depending on regulatory developments. With ongoing concerns around data privacy, disinformation, and global tech competition, traders should stay selective.

Stocks like Nvidia may remain strong due to their role in artificial intelligence, but policy changes, including tariffs and restrictions on Chinese firms, could spark increased volatility. As I’ve told my students many times, volatility isn’t the enemy—it’s the opportunity. You just need a clear plan, a reliable setup, and the discipline to stick to it.

How Trump’s Policies Are Affecting the Stock Market

Presidential policies don’t move the market on sentiment alone—they move it through legislation, executive orders, and regulatory shifts that impact corporations, investments, and competition. Under Trump, we’re already seeing more aggressive positioning from investors, especially around policy-sensitive sectors.

This isn’t the time to chase hype. As I’ve shown over two decades of trading and teaching, real moves come from clear market reactions to fiscal decisions, tax changes, and economic forecasts. The relationship between the economy, business performance, and investor sentiment has never been more transparent—or more fragile.

Key Economic Policies Impacting Stocks

From the campaign to the current inauguration period, Trump has promised aggressive changes in tax policy, including renewed corporate tax cuts and adjustments to capital gains rules. There’s also discussion around tariffs, student loans, and energy production, all of which can shift market behavior quickly.

These policies create fast-moving setups—especially in trade-impacted industries and global-trade-dependent firms. I teach traders to monitor how each announcement affects sector rotation and fund flows. The smart move is to prepare in advance and be ready to act—not react—when volatility hits.

Market Trends During Trump’s Presidency

Trump’s presidency tends to create extremes: sharp rallies, rapid sell-offs, and high levels of uncertainty. This means more opportunity for short-term traders—but also more traps for the undisciplined. Traders should expect swings tied to regulation, interest rates, and federal spending that can change direction on a headline.

The last Trump era brought some massive market moves—both up and down. Sectors like banking and energy surged, while others saw more short-term spikes tied to Trump’s social media posts or press conferences. Knowing what caused those moves can help you prepare if similar headlines start hitting again. Here’s a quick guide to how Trump affected the stock market before.

Patterns repeat, but context matters. What worked in 2017 may not work the same way in 2025. That’s why I’ve always emphasized adaptability—it’s not enough to memorize past moves. You need to track the current market sentiment, understand the policy environment, and align your trades with the real drivers of price action.

Should You Trade in Trump-Associated Stocks?

Trading stocks linked to a president’s name or policies can offer explosive opportunity—but also massive risk. These tickers are often tied to regulatory rumors, political campaigns, and legislation speculation. Volatility is high, and sentiment can shift overnight depending on what’s said from the White House, on the campaign trail, or in a press conference.

If you’re going to trade these names, treat them as what they are: speculative. Use small positions, tight risk controls, and be ready to sell into strength. I’ve seen many traders lose years of gains by holding too long through policy reversals or headline fades. The key is to allocate capital intelligently and never assume a move will last just because it’s politically charged.

Remember: these setups aren’t about politics—they’re about market behavior. Whether it’s crypto, ETFs, dividend-yielding stocks, or high-growth plays, the goal is the same. Identify the opportunity. Analyze the setup. Trade the price action. Manage the risk. That’s how I’ve taught students to succeed across any administration.

Trump-related stocks move fast—sometimes without warning. Traders who chase without a plan often get burned. The key is to understand why these stocks spike and how long that momentum might last. If you’re seeing certain names rip after a Trump post or rally, you need to know what’s behind the move. This article explains why Trump stocks are going up right now.

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s administration favors deregulation, defense spending, and domestic production.
• Top sectors include energy, banking, infrastructure, and politically linked tech and media.
• Focus on companies with policy tailwinds, clear catalysts, and strong volume.
• Avoid holding speculative stocks without a clear trade plan.
• Manage risk aggressively—volatility is high, and reversals are common.

This is a market tailor-made for traders who are prepared. Stick to your plan, manage your risk, and don’t let FOMO drive your decisions.

These opportunities are fast and unpredictable, but with the right strategy, you can make them work for you.

If you want to know what I’m looking for—check out my free webinar here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What industries perform best under Trump?

Energy, financials, defense, and domestic manufacturing industries have historically performed well under Trump due to pro-business policies, tariffs, and deregulation.

Which stocks benefited the most from Trump’s policies?

Names like JPMorgan, ExxonMobil, Nucor, GEO Group, and Palantir have seen upside on policy shifts related to deregulation, energy, border security, and government spending.

Are Trump-related stocks a good long-term investment?

Some may be—but most Trump-linked trades are short-term, catalyst-driven moves. Long-term investors should focus on fundamentals and diversification, not politics alone.

Should I diversify my holdings during politically uncertain times?

Yes, especially when election results can alter fiscal policy, market incentives, and tax treatment across industries. Diversifying between equities, bitcoin, ETFs, and tax-advantaged assets helps reduce exposure to any single sector or policy-sensitive area. It also positions you to accumulate strength in new investor-favored sectors that emerge after the election dust settles.

How can I protect my savings from market drops tied to politics?

The best way to protect your savings is through disciplined allocation, using hedge tactics like cash positions or inverse ETFs during times of high volatility. Markets often fluctuate sharply during political cycles, and knee-jerk reactions can lead to avoidable losses. Focus on risk management, protect your downside, and let proper analysis—not headlines—guide your decisions.

Are tax-advantaged strategies still useful during a volatile presidency?

Tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s continue to play a critical role regardless of who controls the White House. They allow traders and long-term investors to shelter profits from taxes, even when other areas of the market are in decline. Smart investors continue to research and adapt, using these tools to accumulate wealth steadily through fluctuating conditions.

How could Kamala Harris impact market sentiment if she leads the Democratic opposition?

With Joe Biden off the scene, Kamala Harris is expected to take a lead role in shaping Democratic responses to Trump’s policies even if she never achieves electoral victory. That could influence public debate on taxes, student loans, and regulation — areas that directly impact funds and industry performance. Traders should stay focused on research and prepare for increased market fluctuation around key speeches or policy proposals from Harris and her allies.