President Donald Trump expressed his disagreement with Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri on Wednesday, criticizing Hawley’s decision to collaborate with Democrats and request a government report regarding stock trading by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul Pelosi.
Earlier in the day, Hawley voted against a proposal from Senator Rick Scott of Florida, which sought to address the stock trading practices of Pelosi over the past 25 years. Trump took issue with Hawley’s actions, particularly regarding the potential amendment that would accompany a Congressional ban on stock trading, which could limit the president’s trading activities. The incident sparked Trump’s ire, who questioned Hawley’s loyalties within the party.
In a social media post, Trump remarked, “Why is Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri working with Democrats to obstruct a review proposed by Senator Scott? Most Republicans seem to support investigating Nancy Pelosi’s stock trades over the years.” He added, “Democrats have targeted me for a while now because of our success, and they’re utilizing Hawley.” Trump also mentioned that while he conceptually supports a ban on stock trading, he’s uncertain about the specifics of the legislation and suggested that Pelosi might be investigated for potential insider trading.
“I don’t know the details, but I like the idea overall,” Trump remarked. “I’ll study it further, but I think Pelosi has some of the highest returns in Wall Street history.” Following Trump’s comments, Pelosi quickly agreed to consider a stock trading ban. Trump noted that Hawley’s cooperation with Democrats seemed suspicious and detrimental to the country.
“It’s odd that Hawley supports a bill that Nancy Pelosi absolutely loves. It’s great for her and her husband, but bad for our nation,” Trump commented.
Hawley told reporters he is willing to adjust the bill if it isn’t satisfactory to the president. “I’m open to making changes. If the president says he’s not happy with it, we’ll work on it.” Meanwhile, Scott vehemently opposed the trading ban during discussions, claiming it unfairly targeted the president and would provide Democrats with more opportunities to launch political attacks.
In his view, “This bill is simply another method for Democrats to go after the president, especially following the various challenges he has faced.” Hawley has previously taken progressive stances on economic matters, including recently proposing a bill that would offer $600 in tax rebates to many American families, which garnered support from some Republican colleagues.
