Wow! Will this actually happen?
House Speaker says lawmakers must stop profiting off insider advantages — and Americans agree.
Washington, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is calling for a complete ban on stock trading by members of Congress — a powerful move aimed at restoring public trust in government and eliminating the growing perception of political corruption in Washington.
“I support a ban,” Johnson told reporters Wednesday. “There should be no room — none — for even the appearance of corruption in Congress.”
A Growing Scandal: Lawmakers Beating the Market While America Struggles
The move comes as both Republicans and Democrats face increasing scrutiny for suspiciously profitable trades. Reports have shown that while working families watched their retirement accounts shrink, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were cashing in on volatile market swings.
A recent watchdog report by Unusual Whales revealed that Democratic lawmakers saw their portfolios grow by 31% in 2023 — far outpacing the S&P 500. Republican lawmakers also beat the market with a 26% average gain. By contrast, most Americans saw little to no return on their investments.
“It’s been abused,” Johnson said. “And a few bad actors are spoiling it for everyone.”
Widespread Support — From the Freedom Caucus to the Left
The call to ban congressional stock trading has earned bipartisan support, uniting grassroots conservatives and even some on the far left. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus have joined forces to demand reform.
The issue gained attention after names like Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) appeared in headlines tied to lucrative trades during times of national crisis.
The STOCK Act Isn’t Enough — Americans Want Accountability
While the 2012 STOCK Act was meant to prevent insider trading by members of Congress, loopholes and weak enforcement have left many Americans feeling betrayed.
Johnson doubled down on the need for real accountability:
“We should have zero tolerance for insider advantages. Americans need to know their representatives are working for them — not their own stock portfolios.”
Lawmakers Cry Foul Over Frozen Salaries — Johnson Pushes Back
Some lawmakers argue that stagnant congressional pay — frozen since 2009 — justifies their market activity. When adjusted for inflation, members of Congress are earning 31% less than they did over a decade ago.
Johnson acknowledged the concern but didn’t waver.
“Public service is a sacrifice. If people can’t serve without cashing in on Wall Street, maybe they shouldn’t be serving at all.”
Conservatives Say It’s Time to Drain the Swamp — Again
For many Trump-era conservatives, this issue hits a nerve. Congressional stock trading has become a symbol of the “swamp” that President Donald Trump famously vowed to drain.
Johnson’s support of the ban signals a renewed push to clean up Capitol Hill — and a powerful win for America-first values.