WASHINGTON — A surprising moment unfolded during President Trump’s State of the Union Address Tuesday night when Senator Elizabeth Warren, a staunch critic of the president, delivered a standing ovation as he called for the passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act.
“As we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, let’s as well ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit using inside information. Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay,” Trump declared, prompting Warren’s unexpected show of support.
The proposed legislation would bar all members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning individual stocks. It also mandates a seven-day public notice before any stock sale, a measure intended to increase transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest. Warren has long championed similar restrictions on congressional stock trading, making her a natural ally on this particular issue, despite her broader opposition to the Trump administration.
The president’s call for the Act’s passage drew applause from several other Democrats, a reaction that visibly surprised Trump. “They stood up for that — I can’t believe it,” he exclaimed, before turning his attention to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “Did Nancy Pelosi stand up for that?” he asked rhetorically, adding, “Doubt it.”
Pelosi, who retired from Congress earlier this year, was present at the address and reportedly glared at Trump following his pointed remark. She has faced scrutiny over the years regarding stock trades made by her husband, Paul Pelosi, and holds a net worth exceeding $269 million, according to financial data compiled by Quiver Quantitative. Republicans have frequently criticized Pelosi over these trades, alleging potential conflicts of interest.
The Stop Insider Trading Act has already passed through a House committee but awaits a full vote in the lower chamber. Although the bill enjoys bipartisan support in principle, its path to becoming law remains uncertain. According to reports, dozens of Republicans have expressed reservations about the legislation, while some Democrats have called for a broader bill that would also apply to members of the executive branch.
Warren, speaking last year, articulated the rationale behind the push for a ban, stating, “No one in this country should wonder whether or not their senator, their representative, and president is making a decision that is good for the country. Or maybe just good for their own private pocketbook.”
The unusual display of bipartisan agreement on this issue was one of several notable moments during the address. Warren also stood and applauded when Trump asserted the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, for the most part, Democratic lawmakers remained largely silent throughout the speech, with several, including Representatives Al Green, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, interrupting the president with heckles. Green was ejected from the chamber for a second consecutive year for displaying a sign during Trump’s address.
