President Trump stunned Congress with an off-script takedown of ‘Stock Queen’ Nancy Pelosi during his State of the Union, exposing congressional insider trading corruption that hardworking Americans have long demanded an end to.
Story Highlights
- Trump ad-libs sharp jab at Pelosi after bipartisan applause for Stop Insider Trading Act banning congressional stock trades.
- Pelosi’s husband profited $56.9 million from trades amid scrutiny, fueling public outrage over ethics lapses.
- Rare cross-aisle support signals real momentum for reform, boosting Trump’s anti-corruption push pre-midterms.
- Moment amplifies calls to restore trust in government, limiting lawmakers’ unfair market advantages.
Trump’s Unscripted State of the Union Moment
President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24, 2026, to a joint session of Congress. After outlining key priorities on economy and affordability, he urged passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act. Sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), the bill bans members of Congress from trading stocks and mandates seven-day notice for any sales. Lawmakers from both parties rose in a standing ovation, a rare bipartisan display amid midterm pressures.
Direct Jab at Pelosi’s Trading History
Trump deviated from his prepared remarks, spotlighting former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He questioned, “Did Nancy Pelosi stand up — if she’s here? Doubt it,” tying her to the “Stock Queen” nickname earned through her husband Paul Pelosi’s lucrative trades. Paul Pelosi, a venture capitalist, reported $56.9 million in trades from 2022-2025 and $8.8-$38.6 million in January 2026 alone. Critics highlight these gains occurred amid Pelosi’s access to confidential briefings, despite ethics compliance claims.
Historical Scrutiny Fuels Reform Momentum
Congressional stock trading controversies exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as lawmakers profited from nonpublic information. The 2012 STOCK Act imposed disclosure rules, but enforcement lagged, spawning trackers like Pelosi Tracker and Capitol Trades. Apps even let investors mimic Pelosi’s trades for gains. Prior reform efforts stalled despite widespread public support. Trump’s call leverages this frustration, positioning the ban as common-sense ethics restoration for limited government and fairness.
Trump’s populist style energizes conservatives weary of Washington elites enriching themselves while families battle inflation from past fiscal mismanagement. Bipartisan applause underscores broad appeal, contrasting Democrat boycotts on other issues by leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer. This highlights power dynamics: Trump’s presidency now challenges Pelosi’s faded Speakership influence.
Immediate Reactions and Broader Impacts
Media coverage surged on February 25, 2026, with video clips trending across platforms. Fox contributors Guy Benson and Josh Hammer praised the ad-lib as a sharp partisan hit, resonating with audiences distrustful of Congress. No response came from Pelosi’s office to inquiries. The moment elevates the bill’s visibility as it awaits House action, amid SOTU focus on retirement savings and economic relief.
Short-term, it pressures lawmakers pre-midterms; long-term, success could strengthen ethics laws beyond the STOCK Act. Public trust erodes from perceived corruption, amplifying calls for accountability. Investors using trade-mimicking apps and venture capital tied to Pelosi face scrutiny, while disclosure sites gain traction. This aligns with conservative values of individual liberty untainted by government overreach.
Sources:
Politico: Trump backs Congress stock trading ban
Washington Times: Trump takes shot at Pelosi’s stock trades in State of the Union
Fox News: Trump takes jab at Pelosi over history of controversial stock trading





