Unlikely Allies Unite to End Congressional Stock Trades

In a time when our nation feels deeply divided, it is rare to see people from different sides of the political aisle come together. But something important is happening in Washington, and it deserves our attention. President Donald Trump and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—two leaders who rarely agree—are now backing a bill that would ban members of Congress and their families from trading stocks while in office.

That may sound like common sense, and that is because it is.

When a person is elected to Congress, they are given great power and responsibility. The American people trust them to make decisions that are best for the country, not for their personal bank accounts. But that trust has been broken too many times. Over the years, many members of Congress have used their positions to grow their wealth by trading stocks. They often have access to important information before the public does, and that gives them an unfair advantage in the markets.

This is not just about ethics. It is about protecting the very foundation of our government. Our markets must be built on fairness and trust. When lawmakers use insider knowledge to make money, it tells the American people that the rules do not apply to those in power. That kind of behavior is not just wrong—it is dangerous.

According to a study from the University of Maryland in 2023, 86% of Americans—Republicans and Democrats alike—support a ban on stock trading by members of Congress. That is nearly everyone. And yet, for too long, Congress has refused to act.

Now, with strong support from President Trump and an unlikely alliance of lawmakers, we may finally see change. Liberals like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and conservatives like Josh Hawley are putting their differences aside for the good of the country. Even Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries agree on this issue. That kind of unity is rare, and it should be welcomed.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently pointed out that some members of Congress have made stock market gains so large that hedge fund managers would be jealous. That should not happen. The job of a senator or representative is to serve the people, not to get rich.

One of the most telling signs that something is wrong came last year, when Nancy Pelosi’s husband sold a large number of Visa shares shortly before the company faced a lawsuit from the Department of Justice. The timing of that sale raised serious questions. It may not have broken any laws, but it certainly broke the public’s trust.

In 2024 alone, members of Congress have made nearly 9,200 stock trades worth nearly $400 million. That is not the behavior of public servants. That is the behavior of Wall Street traders.

Americans are losing faith in their government. Only 2% believe the federal government does what is right all the time, and only 21% think it does the right thing most of the time. That is not just a number—it is a warning sign. Our democracy cannot survive if people no longer trust their leaders.

Banning congressional stock trading is a small but powerful step toward restoring that trust. It sends a clear message: Public service is not a path to personal profit. It is a duty, a responsibility, and a sacred honor.

This bill should not be controversial. It should not be delayed. It should be passed quickly, with overwhelming support from both parties. The American people are watching, and they are waiting. It is time for Congress to show that it still knows right from wrong.

Let us return to a time when honor mattered, when elected officials served the people, not themselves. Let this be the moment when we draw a line in the sand and say: No more.