No, President Trump did not shut down the U.S. stock markets.

Claims that he declared a national emergency and ordered a full shutdown of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and other major exchanges in early March 2026 are false. These rumors, which spread widely on social media, alleged that Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) amid rising tensions with Iran. However, no official announcement was made by the White House, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or any financial regulatory authority confirming such an action.

IEEPA limitations: While the International Emergency Economic Powers Act allows the president to regulate international financial transactions, impose sanctions, and freeze foreign assets during a declared emergency, it does not grant unilateral authority to shut down domestic stock exchanges.

Market status: As of March 1, 2026, U.S. stock exchanges remained fully operational. The last full multi-day closure of U.S. markets for non-holiday reasons occurred after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The 1933 "Bank Holiday" primarily affected banks, not stock trading.

Investors are advised to rely on official sources like the SEC, major exchanges, or government statements rather than unverified social media posts.