N※N

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

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ver-pelosi-act-accusing-senator-of-betrayal.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 1:35 GMT by New York Post
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

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, signed into law earlier this month, prohibits members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing or selling individual stocks, venture capital shares, and other securities. It mandates that they hold such investments in qualifying blind trusts or divest them entirely within 90 days. The legislation was spurred by revelations of several lawmakers trading stocks based on non-public information gained through their official duties, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for reform. While initially championed as a bipartisan effort to restore faith in government, the fallout between Trump and Hawley highlights deeper ideological divisions regarding its scope and implementation.

Trump’s ire stems from Hawley's perceived shift in stance on the issue. Previously, Hawley had been a vocal proponent of stricter regulations on congressional trading, aligning with Trump’s populist rhetoric against “elites” and perceived corruption within Washington D.C. However, after the final version of the bill was passed – which included provisions that potentially impact some of Hawley's own investments – Trump accused him of backing down under pressure from establishment forces.

"Josh Hawley promised to drain the swamp," Trump declared in a lengthy post on Truth Social, his preferred social media platform. "Now he’s helping them build it! This so-called 'Pelosi Act' is weak and doesn't go far enough. It lets too many people off the hook. And Josh knows that. He knew it all along."

Trump further alleged that Hawley had been pressured by “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) to water down the legislation, suggesting a deliberate attempt to protect certain individuals within Congress. "He's become one of them," Trump wrote, adding, "Sad! Very sad!" He also criticized the act’s reliance on blind trusts, arguing that they are often ineffective in preventing conflicts of interest and merely shift responsibility rather than eliminating it entirely.

Hawley has defended his position, stating that while he believes the STOP Act is a step in the right direction, it falls short of addressing the root causes of the problem. He argued that the legislation’s focus on individual stock trades ignores broader systemic issues within Congress, such as the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding legislative activities.

“I have consistently advocated for stronger measures to prevent insider trading by members of Congress,” Hawley said in a statement released shortly after Trump's public criticism. “While I supported the final bill, I remain concerned that it doesn’t go far enough to truly address the problem. We need to ensure that lawmakers are held to the highest ethical standards and that they are not using their positions for personal gain.”

The rift between Trump and Hawley underscores a growing tension within the Republican party. While both share populist leanings, their approaches to policy differ significantly. Trump favors aggressive action and often employs inflammatory rhetoric, while Hawley tends towards a more measured and conservative approach. This clash highlights a potential power struggle as the 2024 election cycle looms closer, with both men potentially vying for influence within the party's future direction.

The Pelosi Act itself has faced criticism from various corners. Some argue that it is overly broad and infringes on the financial freedom of lawmakers. Others contend that it will not effectively prevent insider trading and may simply drive such activity underground. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now tasked with enforcing the new rules, a responsibility that carries significant implications for congressional oversight and accountability.

The controversy surrounding Trump’s attack on Hawley has reignited debate about ethics in government and the role of money in politics. While the STOP Act represents an attempt to address these concerns, its ultimate effectiveness remains to be seen. The public scrutiny generated by this episode is likely to continue shaping the political landscape for months to come, particularly as lawmakers grapple with implementing the new regulations and facing increased scrutiny over their financial dealings. The situation also highlights a broader trend of Trump’s willingness to publicly rebuke former allies who deviate from his agenda or perceived loyalty. This tactic serves not only to reinforce his dominance within the Republican party but also to shape the narrative surrounding key policy debates, even when those debates involve measures he initially supported. The fallout between Trump and Hawley is a stark reminder that in the current political climate, even seemingly bipartisan efforts can become fodder for partisan conflict and personal attacks.