House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support Wednesday for efforts to ban stock trading by U.S. lawmakers, citing concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need to maintain public trust.

In remarks to reporters, Johnson said, “I’m in favor of it because I don’t think we should have any appearance of impropriety here,” signaling his backing for the Congressional stock trading ban movement. However, he also acknowledged the complexity of the issue, adding, “I understand people that have misgivings about that,” and stopped short of committing to bringing the legislation to a House vote.

Bipartisan Momentum Grows for Stock Trading Restrictions on Lawmakers

Johnson’s comments come amid renewed bipartisan support for bills aimed at prohibiting congressional stock trading and increasing transparency. The practice has come under scrutiny following recent market volatility and accusations of insider trading by some lawmakers.

One prominent bill is the TRUST in Congress Act, which would require members of Congress, their spouses, and children to place certain assets into blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill currently has 72 co-sponsors, including 60 Democrats and 12 Republicans.

Despite multiple reintroductions, the TRUST in Congress Act has yet to secure a House vote.

Another bill gaining attention in 2025 is the No Corruption in Government Act, designed to prohibit insider trading by lawmakers and tackle broader congressional lobbying reforms.

Building on the 2012 STOCK Act

Any new legislation would build on the 2012 STOCK Act, which prohibits insider trading by members of Congress and requires timely reporting of trades. However, the STOCK Act has faced criticism for inadequate enforcement and lack of penalties for non-compliance.

Johnson noted, “On balance, my view is we probably should do that because I think it’s been abused in the past and I think sadly a few bad actors discolored it for everyone,” underscoring the need for stronger rules.

President Trump Backs Stock Trading Ban

Former President Donald Trump has publicly supported banning congressional stock trading, stating in a recent interview with Time magazine, “I would be OK with it. If they send that to me, I would do it.”

What’s Next for the Stock Trading Ban in Congress?

While Johnson’s remarks mark a shift toward supporting congressional stock trading restrictions, the path to a formal House vote remains uncertain. Lawmakers will continue negotiating the details as pressure mounts from both sides of the aisle to restore public confidence in government ethics.