Tensions between two prominent Republicans erupted this week as Senator Josh Hawley faced a fiery backlash from President Donald Trump for backing a bipartisan bill targeting stock trading by lawmakers. Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to lash out at Hawley, branding him a “second-tier Senator” after Hawley became the only Republican to vote with Democrats in a Senate committee to advance legislation banning members of Congress, presidents, and vice presidents from trading or owning stocks.
“Why would one ‘Republican,’ Senator Josh Hawley from the Great State of Missouri, join with all of the Democrats to block a Review, sponsored by Senator Rick Scott, and with the support of almost all other Republicans, of Nancy Pelosi’s Stock Trading over the last 25 years,” Trump wrote.
The president suggested the vote timing resembled “SABOTAGE!” and accused Hawley of being manipulated by Democrats: “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!”
Appearing on Jesse Watters’ Primetime Wednesday night, Hawley responded coolly to the insult. “Well, it’s not the worst thing that’s been said about me, even today, Jesse,” he said. Hawley revealed he spoke to Trump later that evening to clarify what he believes was a misunderstanding.
The Missouri senator explained that concerns were raised to Trump that the bill would force him to divest major assets like Mar-a-Lago. However, Hawley stated emphatically, “Not the case at all.” He noted that both Trump and Vice President JD Vance are exempt from the proposed legislation.
“The president’s and JD Vance’s assets are totally exempted,” Hawley explained, adding that the bill was aimed at individuals like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who he said has long been accused of profiting from insider knowledge.
“We passed a ban on stock trading by people like Nancy Pelosi and members of Congress,” said Hawley. “Pelosi shouldn’t just be investigated, she should be prosecuted.” The bill has been provocatively named the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments—or the PELOSI Act—a direct jab at the former speaker.
Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, telling CNN’s Jake Tapper on Wednesday, “I’m not into it, my husband is, but it isn’t anything to do with anything insider.” Hawley concluded, “Nobody should be up in Congress making a quick buck day trading when they should be doing the people’s business. The president wants a stock trading ban. I want a stock trading ban. It’s time to get it done.”