Trump says he still supports a stock trading ban for Congress

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said he had a “good chat” with former President Trump on Wednesday following Trump’s harsh remarks over Hawley’s support for legislation that would bar lawmakers, future presidents, and vice presidents from trading stocks.

Hawley, who introduced the Senate bill, was the sole Republican to side with all Democrats in narrowly advancing the Honest Act out of committee.

Appearing on Fox News Wednesday evening, Hawley was asked about Trump’s pointed criticism — including the former president labeling him a “second-tier senator.”

“Well, that’s not the worst thing that’s been said about me even today, Jesse,” Hawley quipped to host Jesse Watters. “But I had a good chat with the president earlier this evening, and he reiterated that he supports banning stock trading by people like Nancy Pelosi and members of Congress — which is exactly what we voted to do today.”

Hawley’s bill was initially titled the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act — a pointed reference to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who has faced criticism over her husband’s stock trades. Hawley later changed the bill’s name in order to win Democratic support.

In its latest version, the legislation also includes a trading ban for presidents and vice presidents.

Pelosi indicated her support for the bill on Wednesday.