Speaker Mike Johnson says he supports banning members of Congress from trading stocks but also sympathizes with lawmakers who claim they need the income. Despite growing bipartisan calls for reform, real change remains uncertain.
Key Facts:
- Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) voiced support for banning individual stock trading by members of Congress.
- Johnson acknowledged lawmakers face financial strains due to stagnant salaries since 2009.
- The proposed ban has bipartisan backing, including from Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.).
- Johnson did not commit to advancing legislation for a floor vote despite public remarks.
- Past proposals like the TRUST in Congress Act and Senate stock trading bans have stalled.
The Rest of The Story:
Speaker Johnson told reporters that, on balance, Congress should probably ban its members from trading individual stocks.
He cited public concerns over ethics and the “appearance of impropriety.”
Several lawmakers have been accused of profiting from trades made before major market shifts, raising suspicions of insider trading despite existing laws.
However, Johnson also voiced understanding for those who oppose such a ban, noting the salary for lawmakers has not increased in 15 years.
He pointed out that the $174,000 annual pay has lost nearly a third of its value due to inflation, making it harder for lawmakers to afford dual residencies and support their families.
While he did not promise to bring a bill forward, he acknowledged “zero tolerance” for abuse.
Bipartisan proposals continue to emerge, such as the TRUST in Congress Act and similar Senate bills that would force members and their families to place assets into blind trusts.
Yet none have become law, and leadership has not moved to prioritize them for a vote.
🚨 JUST IN: Speaker Mike Johnson announces his support for a ban on members of Congress trading stocks.
"Yeah. My honest opinion? I'm in favor of that. Because I don't think we should have any appearance of impropriety here."
"We probably should do that because I think it's… pic.twitter.com/bjpg2UopW9
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 14, 2025
Commentary:
Let’s be honest—Congress passing a ban on its own ability to profit through stock trading is a long shot.
While Speaker Johnson’s comments may sound encouraging, there’s a long history of talk and no action on this issue.
Lawmakers have had every opportunity to fix this, yet every serious proposal has either been watered down or left to die quietly in committee.
Why? Because most members—regardless of party—don’t want to lose one of the few fringe benefits of the job that can actually make them rich.
Even if insider trading is illegal, Congress operates in a gray zone.
Members get advance notice on legislation, regulatory changes, and even confidential economic briefings.
That’s powerful information—hard not to act on it, even unintentionally.
Yes, some argue the pay isn’t enough to raise a family in D.C. and their home state.
But if the job is truly public service, maybe lawmakers should be focused on serving the country, not building stock portfolios on the side.
A real ban would likely have to be forced on Congress through overwhelming public pressure.
Americans across the political spectrum already distrust Washington’s financial self-dealing.
If voters unite behind this issue, it could become politically dangerous to oppose reform.
But that’s what it’ll take—constant attention and heat from the public.
Otherwise, we’ll keep seeing bills introduced, praised, and quietly ignored.
The Bottom Line:
Speaker Johnson says he supports a stock trading ban in principle, but his lack of commitment to action tells a familiar story.
Lawmakers keep talking about ethics reforms, but few are willing to give up financial perks.
Unless public pressure forces their hand, Congress is unlikely to police itself anytime soon.
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