Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) mentioned having a “good chat” with President Trump on Wednesday after the president expressed some opposition to him concerning a stock trading ban bill he supported.
Hawley, the bill’s sponsor, was the only Republican to side with Democrats during a committee vote. In an interview on Fox News, he addressed Trump’s sharp remarks, including being labeled a “second tier senator.”
“That’s not the most hurtful thing that’s been said about me,” Hawley told host Jesse Watters. “I had a good conversation with the president earlier, and he reiterated his support for banning stock trading among members of Congress, like Nancy Pelosi.”
The bill, originally aimed at restricting elected officials from holding stocks and investments—especially in light of accusations against Pelosi regarding her husband’s trading—has seen some alterations. Missouri Republicans decided to drop the more controversial references to gain Democratic backing.
The updated legislation also extends the ban to cover the president and vice president.
Pelosi expressed her support for Hawley’s initiative on Wednesday, saying, “If this legislation can help restore public trust and hold those in power to high ethical standards, I’m all for it.”
Hawley noted that while there’s no definitive proof of insider trading, there’s a need for the GOP to address the type of stock trading that has been associated with certain members. “It’s crucial to stop this,” he emphasized. “Pelosi shouldn’t just be looked into; she should be prosecuted. What she and others are doing needs to be illegal.”
He added, “You shouldn’t walk into Congress and get rich off information not available to the public. It’s happening, and it needs to stop.”
When asked about Trump’s comment on him being a “second tier senator,” Hawley speculated that the president might have been misinformed regarding the bill. “I think some voices against the ban have misled him into thinking it would affect him. He would have to sell Mar-a-Lago and his other assets, which isn’t true at all,” he insisted. “The President, the Vice President, and all his assets are completely exempt.”
The White House has not provided any comments regarding the personal meeting between Hawley and Trump.
