U.S. Companies May See End of Quarterly Reports Under Trump Plan
Trump’s push to scrap quarterly reporting reignites Wall Street’s debate over transparency, efficiency, and the future of U.S. markets.

Donald Trump has reignited a long-running debate in U.S. markets, arguing that companies should no longer be required to file earnings reports every three months. Instead, President Trump wants America’s corporate giants to move to a six-month disclosure system. His argument is straightforward: quarterly reporting encourages executives to chase short-term gains at the expense of long-term vision, while also piling unnecessary regulatory costs onto businesses.
The Securities and Exchange Commission wasted little time in responding. A spokesperson confirmed that, at Trump’s request, Chairman Atkins and the agency are making this proposal a priority. That is no small step. Quarterly reporting has been a cornerstone of U.S. market transparency since 1970, when the SEC mandated the switch from semiannual updates. Rolling it back would align the United States with the United Kingdom and the European Union, where companies are not bound by the same rigid reporting cycle.
Reaction on Wall Street has been swift and divided. Proponents argue that less frequent reporting would finally give executives breathing room to focus on strategy instead of the next 90-day earnings call. Nasdaq chief Adena Friedman has already thrown her weight behind the proposal, calling it a way to reduce friction, burden, and cost for listed companies. Heavyweights like Jamie Dimon and Warren Buffett have previously taken the same position, warning that short-termism undermines innovation and hurts the broader economy.
