Trump outpaces all of Congress in stock trades while backing a ban that excludes him

In January 2025, President Donald Trump surpassed all members of Congress in stock market transactions, according to Bloomberg. Trump made an average of 80 trades per market day, leading to over 21,000 trades in 2025 totaling up to $1.06 billion. His diverse portfolio includes stocks, bonds, and digital assets, a stark contrast to his first term when wealth was mainly in real estate.

Despite endorsing a bill that would ban lawmakers from trading stocks, Trump remains exempt, citing his unique position with access to classified intelligence and ability to influence markets. The House bill passed in July restricts trading for sitting lawmakers and their immediate family. Trump supported the measure in his State of the Union address, arguing against congressional insider trading.

However, former Senator Josh Hawley's attempt to extend this ban to the president was rejected. White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that Trump and his family have no control over these investments, as they are managed by outside financial firms. Critics argue that even without insider trading, their actions could influence stock prices due to their official roles.

A poll by Economist/YouGov found that 75% of U.S. adults oppose allowing Congress members to trade stocks, with Republican strategists viewing it as a key issue in the upcoming midterms.