Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the greatest stock traders in history, appeared momentarily flustered during a post–State of the Union interview on CNN Tuesday night, after President Donald Trump revived his call for a ban on congressional stock trading and singled her out by name before a nationally televised audience.
In his nearly two-hour address—the longest of its kind on record—Trump urged lawmakers to pass legislation prohibiting members of Congress from trading individual stocks, a proposal sometimes referred to by critics as the “PELOSI Act.” The line drew bipartisan applause inside the chamber, including from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has long advocated for stricter ethics rules, noted Fox News.
“Did Nancy Pelosi stand up? Doubt it,” Trump quipped from the dais, as lawmakers rose in support of the proposal.
Pelosi was later pressed on the remark during a live CNN interview. Anchors questioned her about the president’s jab and about Warren’s visible enthusiasm for the measure. Video clips that quickly circulated online showed the former speaker pausing, appearing to search for words, and responding haltingly as she reiterated her general support for reforms while disputing Trump’s framing.
YIKES: Nancy Pelosi CAUGHT OFF GUARD as CNN points out that Elizabeth Warren stood and applauded as President Trump ridiculed her with regard to BANNING Members of Congress from trading stocks.
She starts mumbling incoherently as she CLEARLY doesn't have a response ready. pic.twitter.com/kZqjfpeoNA
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 25, 2026
The exchange reignited long-running scrutiny of Pelosi’s family investment record. Analyses published in recent years—including data compiled by market trackers such as Unusual Whales—have shown her household portfolio outperforming major indices in multiple periods, at times exceeding gains posted by the S&P 500. Critics have cited those figures as evidence of an uneven playing field in Washington, alleging that lawmakers may benefit from access to non-public information.
Pelosi has consistently denied wrongdoing and has previously expressed openness to tighter restrictions on congressional trading. She has dismissed accusations of insider dealing as baseless and politically motivated.
In the CNN appearance, she shifted attention back to the substance of Trump’s speech, calling the address “lazy” and accusing the president of deflecting from his own financial controversies. She maintained that she stood in support of banning stock trading by members of Congress and argued that broader ethics reforms deserve bipartisan attention.
The moment nonetheless underscored a rare flash of cross-party agreement. Public polling in recent years has shown overwhelming support—often hovering around 75%—for prohibiting members of Congress from trading individual stocks while in office. Previous legislative efforts to impose stricter bans have drawn sponsors from both parties but have repeatedly stalled amid disagreements over scope, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.
Trump’s renewed push places the issue back on the congressional agenda at a moment when trust in federal institutions remains fragile. Supporters argue that eliminating individual stock trading would remove even the appearance of impropriety and strengthen public confidence. Opponents contend that existing disclosure laws are sufficient and warn against reforms that could discourage qualified individuals from serving.
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What nonsense. Pelosi has mocked the federal laws for decades. Her wealth was obtained strictly because she was using “insider trading information” she received during Congressional hearings and meetings. She claims it is her husbands genius in trading. Bull. He get his information directly from her who gets it from Congressional privileged information. She even beats Warren Buffett. and Bloomberg.