Trump’s mention of public company sparks speculation he bought its stock: ‘Got to give them a plug’

Donald Trump is facing backlash from critics who allege he is leveraging his presidency for personal gain after he publicly shouted out a company currently performing a major renovation at the White House.

A High-Profile Endorsement

During a Monday event, the president touted the transformation of Washington, D.C. under his second term, describing the area as having evolved from a “graffiti-filled, crime-filled mess” into a “great place.” During his remarks, he specifically highlighted that Scotts Miracle-Gro is currently replacing the White House lawn as part of a 700-acre beautification project.

Trump openly admitted to the plug, noting that the grass installation was being provided for free. He praised Scotts Miracle-Gro CEO Jim Hagedorn, a significant donor, recounting a conversation where Hagedorn offered the $1 million landscaping restoration project at no cost to the government.

Speculation Surrounding Stock

The mention of the publicly traded company immediately fueled online chatter, with many social media users questioning if the president holds a financial stake in the business. As Bloomberg reported last month, the president has seen his earnings increase significantly during his second term compared to his previous six decades in business, a trend that critics point to when questioning his motives.

Following his Monday comments, detractors took to X to voice their concerns, with several users explicitly highlighting the company's ticker symbol, SMG, and suggesting the plug was an attempt to boost the value of shares he might own. As 205focus.com continues to monitor developments, it is clear that the intersection of the president’s business history and his public platform remains a point of intense scrutiny.