President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), calling him a “second-tier” Republican, after Hawley sided with Democrats to advance legislation banning stock trading by members of Congress, presidents, and vice presidents.
Hawley was the sole Republican to vote in favor of the bill during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee session on July 30, where it passed in an 8–7 vote. Originally named the “PELOSI Act,” a reference to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi—whose husband has been scrutinized for stock trading while she was in office—the legislation was later renamed the “HONEST Act.”
The bill seeks to bar lawmakers and their spouses from holding, buying, or selling individual stocks, and was amended to include future presidents and vice presidents. Importantly, the provisions would not apply retroactively, meaning Trump and Vice President JD Vance would be exempt from the proposed restrictions.
Trump: Bill Plays Into Democrats’ Hands
Trump lashed out at Hawley on Truth Social, stating:
“I wonder why Hawley would pass a Bill that Nancy Pelosi is in absolute love with – He is playing right into the dirty hands of the Democrats. It’s a great Bill for her, and her ‘husband,’ but so bad for our Country! I don’t think real Republicans want to see their President, who has had unprecedented success, TARGETED, because of the ‘whims’ of a second-tier Senator named Josh Hawley!”
The remarks marked a shift from Trump’s earlier tone. During a bill signing event the same day, the president said he liked the idea of a stock trading ban “conceptually”, but didn’t offer specifics. Hawley later told The Independent that he met privately with Trump, who reportedly expressed support for a stock trading ban for members of Congress.
“He thinks we need to move full speed ahead,” Hawley said.
Divided Republican Response
Despite Hawley’s push, it remains unclear whether the legislation will garner sufficient Republican support to pass the full Senate. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) has voiced opposition, stating:
“This idea that we’re going to attack people because they make money is wrong. It’s absolutely wrong.”
In the House, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has announced plans to force a vote on a similar stock trading ban once lawmakers return from summer recess in September. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated conditional support for such a ban, saying he favors it in principle but has “some sympathy” for members who defend the practice.
Broader Pattern of Republican Tensions
Trump’s criticism of Hawley follows similar attacks on other GOP lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Trump recently slammed Grassley for upholding the “blue slip” tradition—a Senate custom allowing home-state senators to weigh in on judicial and U.S. attorney nominees. Grassley responded to Trump’s comments, saying he was “surprised” and “offended.”
The disputes highlight growing internal divisions within the Republican Party, particularly over issues of ethics, judicial appointments, and the influence of Trump’s political agenda on legislative priorities.
As debate continues over banning stock trading in Congress, Trump’s sharp rhetoric and the GOP’s mixed response reflect the broader challenges facing efforts to increase accountability and transparency on Capitol Hill.
