Sen. Josh Hawley’s latest move to curb stock trading by top officials has sparked a firestorm, with President Trump himself throwing punches.
Fox News reported that the Missouri Republican’s bill, now dubbed the HONEST Act, aims to slam the brakes on congressional stock deals, but Trump’s not buying it, branding Hawley a “pawn” of Democrats. That’s a spicy accusation for a senator who’s usually a MAGA cheerleader.
Hawley’s proposal, which sailed through committee with an 8-7 vote, bars stock trading for Congress members but gives a free pass to the current president and vice president.
This bill, once called the PELOSI Act, got a makeover to win Democratic support, showing Hawley’s willingness to play ball across the aisle. It’s a pragmatic move, but one that’s raised eyebrows among his GOP peers.
The bill’s journey began with Hawley’s push to clean up Washington’s financial games, targeting lawmakers’ ability to trade stocks while in office.
He argues it’s a necessary step to restore trust in government, a sentiment that resonates with conservatives tired of insider deals. Yet, Trump’s Truth Social jab, calling Hawley “second-tier,” suggests the president sees this as a betrayal of MAGA loyalty.
Hawley defended his bill, saying, “The president and I had a really good conversation.” He claims Trump “wants to get it done,” but the exemption for Trump and Vice President Vance tells a different story. It’s a carve-out that smells like political expediency, not principle.
The exemption mirrors one granted to President Biden last year, with compliance delayed to the next administration.
Hawley explained, “We set the date out so that it would be the next president who had to comply.” This consistency might soothe some critics, but it’s a bitter pill for those who want immediate accountability.
Not everyone in the GOP is on board with Hawley’s plan. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., tried to amend the bill, only to have Hawley accuse him of trying to “gut” it. Scott fired back, claiming Hawley’s teamed up with Democrats to “attack Trump,” a charge that paints the bill as a political weapon rather than reform.
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., piled on, noting that Democrats and Hawley shot down Scott’s amendment, which sought a GAO probe into Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s wealth.
“The fact that they voted against it speaks volumes,” Johnson said. It’s a zinger that suggests Hawley’s bill might be more about optics than rooting out corruption.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., also aimed, criticizing the bill’s broad language that bans cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. “The idea is good, the execution is not,” he said, pointing to overreach that could stifle innovation. For a party that champions economic freedom, this is a glaring red flag.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., went further, slamming the bill for exempting Trump while forcing business-savvy leaders to sell their companies. “It’s over the top and not well thought out,” PAUL argued. His point cuts deep: why should Congress face stricter rules than the president?
Hawley insists he’s playing the long game, saying, “I want something that’ll pass and that he can sign.” By excluding Trump and Vance, he’s betting on getting the bill across the finish line. But at what cost to his conservative credentials?
The senator’s frustration with GOP foot-dragging is palpable. “Members campaign on banning stocks, and then they get here, and they’re like, let’s never do it,” Hawley vented. It’s a fair critique of Washington’s inertia, but his alliance with Democrats risks alienating his base.
Across the aisle, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., backs the bill, pushing for equal treatment. “Don’t trade stock if you’re a member here,” he said bluntly. It’s a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, but one that makes MAGA supporters squirm.
Hawley’s bill covers all members of Congress, a point he emphasizes: “It’s not a perfect bill, but it’s pretty tough.” Yet, the exemption for Trump and Vance undermines the message of fairness. It’s hard to sell reform when the top dogs get a pass.
The senator’s willingness to compromise is both his strength and his Achilles’ heel. “I will work with anybody,” Hawley said, but he drew a line at “consensus stuff that’s going to kill the bill.” That’s a bold stance, but it’s left him caught between MAGA purists and practical governance.
Trump’s criticism looms large, casting a shadow over Hawley’s reform push. With the HONEST Act advancing, the question remains: can Hawley deliver a win for conservatives without losing the MAGA faithful? It’s a tightrope walk, and he’s got the whole GOP watching.
