Trump Targets Nancy Pelosi in State of the Union Call to Ban Congressional Stock Trading
President Trump used his State of the Union address to press Congress to "pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay" and took a direct jab at Nancy Pelosi, drawing standing ovations from lawmakers and sharp reactions on the House floor and online.
Trump centers Stop Insider Trading Act in State of the Union
Delivering what one account called a record-breaking State of the Union address, the president urged lawmakers to curb insider trading on Capitol Hill. "Let’s also ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit from using insider information, " Trump said, a line that prompted members of both parties to stand.
Nancy Pelosi singled out on the House floor
After members rose in applause, Trump said, "They stood up for that. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. Did Nancy Pelosi stand up — if she’s here? Doubt it. " The former House speaker glared at Trump after the broadside, sat next to Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif. ) and took notes during the speech. Critics and Republicans have long pointed to well-timed trades by Pelosi’s husband and to Pelosi family financial disclosures in calls for stricter limits on congressional stock trading. One account noted that Pelosi has a net worth of more than $269 million, per Quiver Quantitative, and described her as a retiring representative.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren gives an unusual ovation
One striking moment came when Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass. ), described as a progressive icon and one of the president’s fiercest critics in the Senate, rose to applaud when Trump urged passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act. "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. Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay, " the president declared. Warren has long backed similar legislation, and other Democrats also stood in applause.
Bill language, status and related proposals
The Stop Insider Trading Act, introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil, would ban members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks and would require advance public notice before any sale. One description of the bill said it would go beyond the 2012 STOCK Act’s reporting requirements; another said the measure would mandate that lawmakers, their spouses and dependent children give a seven-day public notice before selling a stock. The bill has cleared a House committee but is awaiting a full vote in the lower chamber.
Reactions in the chamber and online
The president’s call drew a mix of responses during the speech. Trump also announced a retirement savings proposal for workers without access to employer matching, saying the federal government would match contributions up to $1, 000 a year so more Americans can benefit from market gains. At times the address produced applause from some Democrats — Warren was also seen standing after the president said Iran can’t be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon — but several Democrats interrupted the speech. Reps. Al Green (D-Texas), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn. ) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich. ) repeatedly heckled; Green was ejected from the House chamber for waving a sign that read, "Black People Aren’t Apes!" Omar and Tlaib left early after the heckling continued.
The moment also drew attention online. contributor Guy Benson posted on X, "lol the Pelosi ad lib. " Columnist Josh Hammer posted, "LMAO at Trump’s callout of Pelosi on insider trading. " Newsbusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck posted, "LOL Trump is the funniest President of all time, zero debate. " Digital reached out to Pelosi's office for comment. Digital's Morgan Phillips contributed to the coverage; Andrew Mark Miller is identified as a reporter at and is listed with the Twitter handle @andymarkmiller and the email AndrewMark. Miller@Fox. com.
What comes next
The Stop Insider Trading Act remains pending after clearing a House committee and is awaiting a full House vote. The bill’s pending status in the lower chamber is the next confirmed milestone following the president’s State of the Union appeal.
