Mike Johnson endorses ban on congressional stock trading

On May 14, 2025, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana publicly expressed his support for prohibiting members of Congress from engaging in individual stock transactions. This endorsement follows heightened scrutiny and public criticism over the stock trading practices of lawmakers, particularly in light of dubious trades during the pandemic in 2020. Johnson mentioned that although some legislators view trading as a means to supplement their congressional salaries, which have remained stagnant since 2009, a few individuals have abused this privilege, thereby tarnishing the image of all lawmakers involved in stock trading. He articulated a strong stance against any form of insider trading, stating there would be zero tolerance for perceived impropriety. This statement aligns with a bipartisan push among House lawmakers aimed at legislation banning such trades, specifically in response to accusations against prominent figures, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her husband Paul Pelosi, who have faced allegations concerning their trading activities. The controversy surrounding stock trading by Congress members has built momentum over the past few years, culminating in discussions around potential legislation like the "PELOSI Act." This act seeks to prohibit lawmakers and their spouses from buying or selling individual stocks, aiming to restore faith in the congressional ethics framework. The fact that Congress members have engaged in suspicious trades based on non-public information to enrich themselves is a significant point of concern within this discourse. With increasing calls for transparency and integrity among public servants, Johnson's perspective adds weight to the ongoing debates about ethical conduct in government. The bipartisan support for a stock trading ban highlights a common recognition of the need to address the ethical implications of trading practices within Congress, aiming to avoid any appearance of corruption moving forward.