Fake News About US Tariffs Misled Media, Investors, and Caused a Sharp Drop in Markets
A rumor spread on X (formerly Twitter) caused a $2.4 trillion fluctuation in the global financial market this Monday (8). In just ten minutes, investors reacted en masse to a false news story about US trade tariffs. The information, denied shortly afterward by the White House, reveals how digital misinformation continues to impact entire economies, according to the site Revista Forum.
What Happened: Fake News with a Blue Check
The episode began after a live interview with Kevin Hassett, economic advisor to the US, on Fox News. When asked about the possible suspension of trade tariffs, he gave vague answers. Shortly after, verified accounts began to publish a supposed announcement from the US government.
- The account “Hammer Capital” claimed that the US would suspend tariffs for all countries except China.
- The rumor was replicated by paid blue check profiles, confusing users and news outlets.
- The account “Walter Bloomberg” also spread the information, unrelated to Bloomberg News.
- Reuters and CNBC reported the supposed measure but deleted the posts minutes later.
Immediate Impact: Market Reacted in Seconds
According to Dow Jones Market Data, the global market lost $2.4 trillion in market value right after the rumor spread.
-
The country records its first surplus in six months and hits an all-time export record, with oil and gold sharply rising, while the Middle East crisis triggers inflation in the United States and redraws the map of global energy trade.
-
Coinbase announces mass layoff of 700 employees, cuts 14% of staff amid AI wave and leads the crypto giant with operations in Brazil to a billion-dollar restructuring.
-
New import rule raises the quota to 50% in Dionísio Cerqueira, draws more trucks to the border with Argentina, and could unlock R$ 650 million in the Far West of SC
-
Social programs are shrinking in Brazil and reveal a curious fact in 2025: even at their lowest level since 2022, benefits still contribute to the income of 18 million households, demonstrating the silent strength of aid in family budgets and exposing a new portrait of social dependence in the country.
- Drops in American and European stock markets
- Sudden fluctuations in the dollar and commodities
- Institutional investors were affected
The White House officially denied the information still in the afternoon of Monday, but the damage was already done.
Rumors That Became Reality: Experiment Showed the Danger
In 2023, streamer Zealand did an experiment:
- Created a rumor about the transfer of player Ismaïla Sarr to Everton.
- Verified accounts spread the false information.
- Betting sites adjusted the odds by over 300% in just a few minutes.
“I was disturbed by how easy it was to manipulate the system,” said Zealand after seeing his test go viral globally.


Be the first to react!