A push to curb stock trading by lawmakers became a focal point during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, drawing applause from both sides of the aisle and a pointed remark aimed at a prominent Democrat.
According to Fox News, Trump urged lawmakers to move quickly on new restrictions, calling on them to “pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay” as part of a broader appeal for ethics reforms 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 rise from their seats.
The president reacted in real time to the bipartisan show of support.
“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,” he added.
Critics of congressional stock trading have frequently pointed to financial disclosures from the Pelosi family as part of their argument that stricter rules are needed, though Trump did not elaborate further during the speech.
The legislation he referenced was introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil and would prohibit members of Congress, along with their spouses and dependent children, from buying individual publicly traded stocks.
It would also require advance public notice before any sales, going beyond the reporting framework established by the 2012 STOCK Act.
The exchange quickly gained traction online, where several conservative commentators highlighted the moment.
Fox News contributor Guy Benson posted, “lol the Pelosi ad lib.”
Columnist Josh Hammer wrote, “LMAO at Trump’s callout of Pelosi on insider trading.”
Newsbusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck added, “LOL Trump is the funniest President of all time, zero debate.”
Beyond the ethics proposal, Trump also outlined a retirement savings initiative aimed at workers who lack access to employer matching programs.
Under the plan, the federal government would match contributions up to $1,000 per year, a measure he said would help more Americans benefit from market growth.
The insider trading proposal and retirement plan were among several policy points Trump used to frame his call for legislative action during the address.
