Former President Trump endorses bipartisan push to halt stock trades by lawmakers
President Donald Trump has jumped into a heated debate on Capitol Hill with a resounding endorsement of a bipartisan bill aimed at halting stock trading by members of Congress and their spouses. His support adds a powerful voice to a growing chorus demanding accountability from elected officials.
According to Just the News, Trump hailed the effort as a "MASSIVE WIN" on TRUTH Social, spotlighting Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna's push to force a vote on H.R. 5106, dubbed the "Restore Trust in Congress Act." This legislation seeks to bar lawmakers and their spouses from owning or trading stocks, addressing long-standing concerns about conflicts of interest.
Trump's post also took a sharp jab at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, claiming she's "FREAKING OUT" over the potential ban. While the frustration of entrenched power players is understandable, it's hard to argue against a measure that 95 percent of Americans reportedly support. The public has grown weary of watching politicians seemingly profit from privileged information.
Luna's Bold Move to Force a Vote
Luna, a Republican from Florida, is not waiting for House leadership to act on H.R. 5106, announcing plans to use a discharge petition if the bill isn't brought to the floor by month's end. This procedural tactic allows her to bypass leadership by gathering signatures from a majority of Congress to compel a vote.
Her resolve is backed by a video on Trump's TRUTH Social post, where she stresses the overwhelming public support for ending congressional stock trading. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also threw his weight behind the cause last month, signaling broader administrative alignment with the reform.
At a press conference last week, Luna laid out a clear ultimatum to leadership, stating, "If they don't, I'm saying [the] timeline is [the] end of month." With a discharge petition ready, she's drawing a line in the sand, daring opponents to ignore the will of the people.
A Rare Bipartisan Coalition Emerges
The bill, introduced by Representatives Chip Roy of Texas and Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island, boasts 16 original cosponsors evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Notable names include Tim Burchett and Zach Nunn on the Republican side, alongside progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal from the Democratic camp.
Roy framed the legislation as a long-overdue fix, declaring, "It's far past time to ban Members of Congress from day trading stocks." While his passion is commendable, the real test will be whether this unity holds when push comes to shove on the House floor.
Magaziner echoed the sentiment, insisting, "We must take a strong stand against corruption and end stock trading by members of Congress once and for all." It's refreshing to see both sides agree that public office shouldn't be a ticket to personal enrichment, though skepticism remains about loopholes being exploited.
Current Rules Fall Short of Reform
Under existing law, specifically the 2012 Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, lawmakers in both chambers can trade stocks but must disclose transactions over $1,000 within 45 days. This rule aims to curb insider trading, yet it stops short of banning stock ownership or trading outright.
Critics point out a glaring flaw, as the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center notes that no member of Congress has ever faced prosecution for insider trading under the STOCK Act. If the system is toothless, it's no wonder public trust in government continues to erode.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has acknowledged opposition in the upper chamber, with some senators expressing concerns about a similar ban approved by a committee in July. Resistance from those comfortable with the status quo isn't surprising, but it raises questions about whose interests are truly being served.
Restoring Faith in Public Service
The push for H.R. 5106 represents a rare moment where bipartisan frustration with perceived corruption aligns with public sentiment. Americans are tired of seeing elected officials play the market while holding sway over policies that could move stock prices.
Trump's backing, alongside Luna's procedural maneuvering, might just tip the scales toward meaningful reform, even if it ruffles feathers among the political elite. The message is clear: public service should mean serving the public, not personal portfolios.
As this battle unfolds, the outcome of the "Restore Trust in Congress Act" could redefine how Americans view their representatives. If passed, it would signal that integrity still has a place in politics, a notion many have long doubted.





