WASHINGTON – President Trump said in a newly published interview that he would fully support a ban on congressional stock trading, signaling a major shift in political momentum on an issue that has long frustrated voters.
“Well, I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be okay with it. If they send that to me, I would do it,” Trump told Time magazine when asked whether he would sign such a bill. Pressed further, Trump confirmed: “Absolutely.”
Growing pressure to restrict congressional stock trades
The backstory:
The debate over lawmakers trading stocks while in office has escalated in recent years, especially following high-profile scrutiny of both Democratic and Republican members.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) faced criticism over her husband Paul Pelosi’s lucrative stock trades, although she dropped her opposition to stock trading bans in 2022. More recently, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a Trump ally, was scrutinized for stock purchases made shortly before Trump announced a temporary pause on tariffs — a move that triggered a market rally. Greene has said she relies on a financial adviser for her trades.
Despite widespread public support for reform, efforts to pass a ban have repeatedly stalled in Congress. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee advanced a proposal last year, but it failed to clear the full Senate.
Hawley revives stock ban push with new legislation
What they’re saying:
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., announced he is reintroducing legislation Monday to prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying and selling individual stocks while in office.
Under Hawley’s new proposal — a revived version of the 2023 “PELOSI Act” — lawmakers would only be allowed to invest in diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or U.S. Treasury bonds. If passed, current lawmakers would have 180 days to comply with the restrictions. New lawmakers would face the same 180-day compliance window.
Lawmakers who violate the law could be fined 10% of each wrongful transaction and would have to forfeit any profits to the U.S. Treasury.
“Members of Congress should be fighting for the people they were elected to serve — not day trading at the expense of their constituents,” Hawley told Fox News Digital, adding that it’s time to “restore Americans’ trust” in the legislative branch.
Democrats also voice support for a trading ban
The other side:
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other top Democrats have recently expressed support for congressional stock trading reform, suggesting that bipartisan momentum could finally push a bill across the finish line.
While there is no timeline yet for when a new proposal might advance, Trump’s endorsement could increase political pressure — particularly on Republicans — to act swiftly.
The Source: This report is based on President Trump’s interview with Time magazine published April 26, 2025, additional reporting from Fox News Digital, and previous Associated Press coverage. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
