False X Post Sparks $2.4T Market Swings Over Bogus Tariff Pause Claim
A misleading X post about Trump pausing tariffs triggered wild stock market fluctuations, highlighting the platform’s dangerous influence despite spreading misinformation. The rumor originated from a small verified account before spreading to major financial news outlets like Reuters and CNBC. Within minutes, the false report caused a $2.4 trillion market swing before being debunked, exposing vulnerabilities in financial information ecosystems.
How a Viral X Lie Shook Global Markets in Just 10 Minutes
A fabricated claim about tariff delays on X sent shockwaves through Wall Street, temporarily swinging markets by trillions before corrections. Experts warn this incident reveals how Musk’s verification changes and algorithmic virality prioritize speed over accuracy. The debacle began when a little-known finance account misinterpreted a White House official’s vague comment, showing how easily unverified claims can spiral.
X’s Amplification of Falsehoods Costs Markets $2.4T in Minutes
Monday’s trillion-dollar market chaos underscores X’s lingering power as a misinformation vector, as a single unverified tariff pause rumor raced through verified accounts. Despite having just 1,100 followers, the origin account’s paid verification badge helped legitimize the false report before major outlets amplified it. Researchers say this demonstrates how X’s current structure actively enables financial disinformation to spread faster than corrections.