Trump Calls for Ban on Congressional Stock Trading

Bipartisan support emerges for legislation to address insider trading concerns

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In his recent State of the Union address, President Trump surprisingly called for a ban on congressional stock trading, a move that received bipartisan applause. This has brought renewed attention to the complex issue of lawmakers profiting from insider information, with competing legislative efforts emerging to address the problem.

Why it matters

Public sentiment overwhelmingly favors reform, with over 80% of Americans supporting a ban on congressional stock trading. This widespread demand for change has added significant pressure on lawmakers to act, despite the potential for loopholes and conflicts of interest within some of the proposed legislation.

The details

The President highlighted the need to prevent members of Congress from 'corruptly profiting' from using insider information, specifically referencing the Stop Insider Trading Act (H.B. 7008). However, this bill has been criticized for not going far enough, as it does not prevent members from owning stocks or address profiting from other asset classes. A more comprehensive alternative, the Restore Trust in Congress Act (H.B. 5106), aims for a complete ban on stock ownership and trading by members of Congress and has broader bipartisan support.

  • President Trump's call for a ban on congressional stock trading occurred during his recent State of the Union address.
  • The Stop Insider Trading Act was introduced in January 2026.
  • The Restore Trust in Congress Act is also gaining traction in the House, with a discharge petition signed by 65 Democrats and 15 Republicans seeking to force a vote on the bill.

The players

President Trump

The President who called for a ban on congressional stock trading during his State of the Union address.

Stop Insider Trading Act (H.B. 7008)

A bill introduced in January 2026 that aims to prevent members of Congress from profiting from insider information, but does not ban stock ownership.

Restore Trust in Congress Act (H.B. 5106)

A more comprehensive bill that seeks to ban stock ownership and trading by members of Congress, and has broader bipartisan support.

Representative Rob Bresnahan

A Republican Representative from Pennsylvania who has faced scrutiny for his own stock trading activity, despite campaigning on regulating such practices.

Senator Susan Collins

A Republican Senator from Maine who has faced criticism for her stock trading activity, with a Democratic political action committee highlighting it in recent advertisements.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.