Trump rips 'second tier' Sen. Josh Hawley over his PELOSI Act congressional stock trading ban

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  Stocks and Investing on Sun, Aug 24th, 2025 by New York Post

Trump Takes Aim at Sen. Josh Hawley Over “Pelosi Act” Stock‑Trading Ban

In a flurry of social‑media posts and a fiery press conference, former President Donald Trump has called out Senate Majority Leader Josh Hawley for his position on a new congressional bill known as the “Pelosi Act,” which seeks to outlaw members of Congress from trading stocks and other securities. Trump’s tirade—filled with accusations of hypocrisy, “conspiracy” rhetoric, and a flippant dismissal of the bill’s legitimacy—highlights a growing rift between the Trump movement and segments of the Republican establishment.

The Bill in Question

The “Pelosi Act” is a bipartisan proposal introduced by Representative Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader, that would impose a ban on stock, bond, and mutual‑fund trading by members of Congress and their families, with the goal of reducing conflicts of interest and the perception that lawmakers profit from inside information. The legislation was drafted in the wake of several high‑profile cases in which lawmakers appeared to benefit from market movements, including the “Jan. 5‑trading” saga that involved a group of senators who allegedly profited from knowledge of a forthcoming tariff decision.

While the bill has garnered support from many Democrats and a handful of moderates, it has also faced opposition from a faction of Republicans who view it as an overreach that would limit free‑market rights. Senator Josh Hawley, known for his conservative record and frequent clashes with Democrats, was one of the GOP members who expressed reservations about the measure—calling it “politically motivated” and arguing that it infringes on personal liberty. Trump seized upon Hawley’s criticism as a chance to expose what he alleges is a “deep‑state” conspiracy working to undermine his allies.

Trump’s Attack

In a series of tweets that quickly accumulated thousands of replies, Trump slammed Hawley for “treating the law like a party favor” and “siding with Pelosi’s cronies.” He called the senator a “liar” and a “sell‑out” and warned that Hawley’s stance could ultimately “hurt the Republican brand.” Trump also hinted at a larger pattern, suggesting that Hawley was part of a broader group attempting to “control” Congress and “take away the rights” of individual members. The former president’s rhetoric has always been steeped in the idea of a corrupt political elite, and the Pelosi Act’s critics have become a convenient rallying point.

The former president went further by questioning Hawley’s own business dealings, noting that the senator has had several public contracts and has been a frequent guest at high‑profile fundraising events. Trump implied that Hawley’s opposition to the ban was not motivated by principle but by a desire to “keep his own pockets full.” He also reminded viewers that Hawley was the senator who had once announced a “massive” rally against the Trump administration, suggesting that Hawley’s political ambitions had led him to align with Pelosi’s agenda.

Hawley’s Response

Sen. Hawley, who has long been a vocal critic of what he calls “political correctness” in Washington, replied in a brief statement that “the bill is a step toward transparency and is not a partisan stunt.” He reiterated that the legislation would apply uniformly to all members of Congress and would not target any particular individual. Hawley also highlighted the bipartisan nature of the measure, noting that several Republicans, including himself, have signed a letter in support of reforms that would create a “clearer” ethical framework for lawmakers. He cautioned that the “Pelosi Act” was “not a political attack on the Republican Party,” but rather an attempt to curb the influence of money in politics.

In an interview with a local news outlet, Hawley said that Trump’s criticism was “unwarranted” and that “the former president’s rhetoric about the bill is simply a distraction.” He also noted that the bill would be subject to a House vote and that the Senate would need to provide a floor‑planning agenda before any definitive action could be taken.

What’s Next?

The Pelosi Act currently faces a challenging path in a Congress that is split along partisan lines. While the bill has passed a Committee on the House side, it still needs a majority vote before it can be debated on the floor. Hawley’s opposition is a small but visible part of a larger Republican resistance that could derail the measure unless a bipartisan consensus is reached. Trump’s high‑profile criticism of Hawley, meanwhile, underscores the broader battle within the GOP between Trump‑aligned factions and more traditional conservatives who view the former president’s style as anathema to the party’s future.

In the weeks ahead, Washington will watch closely how the bill moves through the legislative process, how Hawley’s stance evolves, and whether Trump’s attack might prompt the Senate to either reinforce its opposition or find a compromise. For now, the “Pelosi Act” remains a lightning‑rod for partisan conflict—one that places Trump’s brand of populist politics against the old guard’s perception of institutional reform.