Trump Criticizes Senator Hawley Over Stock Trading Legislation

In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Senator Josh Hawley, labeling him a “second-tier” lawmaker. This remark comes after Hawley supported a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting members of Congress and administration officials from engaging in stock trading.

The HONEST Act: Key Legislation

The controversial bill, known as the HONEST Act, was introduced by Senator Hawley alongside Senate Democrats. It follows an earlier proposal called the PELOSI Act, which targeted stock trades by members of Congress and their immediate families. Both pieces of legislation underscore a growing concern about conflicts of interest among lawmakers.

Main Features of the HONEST Act

• Expanded Ban: The HONEST Act extends the ban on stock trading to include the President and Vice President.
• Graduated Implementation: The ban will not take effect until the next term of office for those currently serving. For example:
  • House members can still trade until 2027.
  • Senators are allowed to continue trading until their next reelection.
  • The legislation will not affect Trump, as he will leave office in 2029.

Legislative Support and Opposition

During a discussion about the bill, Senator Hawley argued that this legislation represents a long-awaited reform that the American public has desired for decades. He stated:

“We have an opportunity here today to do something that the public has wanted us to do for decades, and that is to ban members of Congress from profiting on information that, frankly, only members of Congress have in the buying and selling of stock.”

Senator Elena Slotkin, a Democrat, echoed similar sentiments:

“We have to accept that the American people think that all of us — Democrats and Republicans — are using our positions and our access to enrich ourselves.”

Despite receiving unanimous support from Democrats and a "yes" vote from Hawley, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee saw all other Republicans reject the bill.

Trump’s Response to Hawley’s Support

Following the advancement of the HONEST Act by the committee, Trump took to Truth Social to express his disappointment with Hawley. He stated:

“The Democrats, because of our tremendous ACHIEVEMENTS and SUCCESS, have been trying to ‘Target’ me for a long period of time, and they’re using Josh Hawley, who I got elected TWICE, as a pawn to help them.”

Trump further questioned Hawley’s rationale for supporting legislation that he claimed "Nancy Pelosi is in absolute love with," referencing the Speaker’s announcement to support the bill if it reaches the House.

Implications for Trump’s Future

Though Trump implied that the passage of the HONEST Act could potentially affect him, it’s essential to note that the legislation primarily targets current members of Congress and will not impact him unless he pursues a future senatorial or House position.

Trump concluded his post with a warning about Hawley’s actions:

“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!”

Conclusion

The clash between Trump and Hawley showcases the tensions within the Republican Party, especially regarding ethical standards in governance. As the HONEST Act progresses, it serves as a focal point for both politicians and the public in their desire for greater transparency in Congress.

For more insights into legislative changes affecting Congress, you can learn more about proposed bills and their impacts through GovTrack and Congress.gov.