Trump Calls to Ban Congressional Stock Trading, Draws Rare Applause From Elizabeth Warren
President Donald Trump received an unexpected standing ovation from Sen. Elizabeth Warren during his State of the Union address after calling on Congress to pass legislation banning lawmakers from trading individual stocks.
“As we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, let’s also ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit using inside information,” Trump said. “Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay.”
Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who has long championed restrictions on congressional stock trading, rose to applaud. The moment stood out given her history as one of Trump’s sharpest critics in the Senate.
What the Bill Would Do
The proposed Stop Insider Trading Act would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from buying individual publicly traded stocks. It would also require a seven-day public notice before any stock sale.
Versions of similar legislation have circulated for years, with bipartisan support at times. Advocates argue the reforms would address public distrust over potential conflicts of interest. Critics of congressional trading practices frequently point to well-timed transactions by lawmakers across both parties.
The measure has advanced through a House committee but has not yet received a full vote.
Trump’s Dig at Nancy Pelosi
Trump used the moment to jab at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a frequent target of Republican criticism over stock trades made by her husband.
“They stood up for that I can’t believe it,” Trump said after Democrats applauded. “Did Nancy Pelosi stand up for that? Doubt it.”
Pelosi, seated in the chamber, did not join the ovation. She has previously defended her family’s finances, stating she does not personally trade stocks.
The exchange adds another chapter to the long-running feud between Trump and Pelosi. During Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address, Pelosi famously tore up a copy of his speech on camera.
A Rare Bipartisan Moment
While most Democrats remained seated throughout much of the address, Trump did receive occasional applause from members of the opposing party. In addition to Warren’s reaction on the stock trading proposal, some Democrats also stood when Trump said Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
Still, the overall tone in the chamber remained tense. Several Democratic lawmakers interrupted the speech, and Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber after waving a protest sign.
Despite the partisan atmosphere, the call to restrict congressional stock trading briefly cut across party lines, highlighting an issue where public frustration has created unusual political overlap.
