Trump Unleashes Fury on Hawley Over Pelosi Act, Accusing Senator of Betrayal

Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 9:41 GMT by New York Post
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Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack against Missouri Senator Josh Hawley over the recently enacted “Pelosi Act,” formally known as the Preventing Insider Trading on Capitol Hill (STOP) Act. The act, designed to curb stock trading by members of Congress and their immediate family, has become a surprising source of friction between the former allies, with Trump publicly accusing Hawley of betraying his principles and undermining his legacy.

The STOP Act, championed initially by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, aims to restrict lawmakers’ ability to trade stocks based on non-public information gleaned from their official duties. It mandates that members of Congress and their spouses either sell investments within 45 days or place them in a blind trust. The bill's passage followed years of scrutiny regarding congressional stock trading practices and accusations of insider dealing, fueled by revelations of lawmakers profiting from market fluctuations during the COVID-19 pandemic and other significant events.

Trump’s ire stems from Hawley’s eventual support for the legislation after previously expressing reservations about its scope and potential impact on individual liberty. While Hawley initially voiced concerns that the bill was overly broad and could stifle legitimate investment activity, he ultimately voted in favor of it, citing a need to restore public trust in government.

"Josh Hawley," Trump declared in a lengthy post on Truth Social, "is now one of those RINOs [Republicans In Name Only] who will do anything to get along with the radical left! He used to be strong, but he's clearly lost his way. Supporting this ridiculous Pelosi Act is a disgrace and a betrayal of everything we stand for."

Trump’s criticism didn’t stop at simply labeling Hawley a RINO. He went further, accusing the senator of succumbing to pressure from “the swamp” and abandoning his commitment to fighting against government overreach. "He talks about protecting liberty, but then he votes for legislation that expands government power and restricts individual freedom! It's unbelievable!"

The rift between Trump and Hawley is particularly noteworthy given their previous alignment on several key issues. Hawley has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s policies and frequently echoed his rhetoric throughout his political career. He notably challenged the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, aligning himself with Trump's efforts to overturn the outcome. This past support makes Trump’s current condemnation all the more impactful and potentially damaging for Hawley.

Hawley responded to Trump’s criticism in a brief statement, defending his vote as necessary to address concerns about congressional ethics. "I believe it's important to ensure that elected officials are held to the highest standards of accountability," he said. "This legislation is a step in the right direction towards restoring public trust." He added that he remains committed to conservative principles but believes compromise is sometimes necessary to achieve meaningful reform.

The Pelosi Act itself has been met with mixed reactions. While proponents argue it’s a crucial measure for promoting transparency and preventing corruption, critics contend it's an overreach of government power and unfairly restricts the financial freedom of lawmakers. Some legal experts have also raised concerns about potential constitutional challenges related to the bill’s restrictions on personal investment decisions.

The debate surrounding the STOP Act highlights the ongoing tension between the need for ethical governance and the protection of individual liberties. Trump's public rebuke of Hawley underscores the deep divisions within the Republican party, particularly regarding the balance between populist fervor and pragmatic compromise. The fallout from this disagreement could have significant implications for both men’s political futures and potentially reshape the dynamics of the GOP heading into future elections.

Furthermore, the incident serves as a reminder of the enduring power of Trump's influence within the Republican base. His ability to swiftly mobilize his supporters against perceived betrayals demonstrates his continued sway over the party's direction and the challenges faced by those who attempt to navigate a path independent of his approval. The situation also casts a spotlight on the complexities of legislating ethics reform, particularly when it involves measures that impact elected officials themselves.

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Trump Unleashes Fury on Hawley Over Pelosi Act, Accusing Senator of Betrayal