President Donald Trump took a very pointed jab at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, drawing an unexpected reaction from across the aisle — specifically, a standing ovation from Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Warren (D-Mass.), typically one of Trump’s most outspoken Senate critics, rose to applaud when the president urged lawmakers to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act; a clear jab at Pelosi. Several Democrats even joined her in applauding the president’s remarks.
“As we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, let’s also ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit using inside information. Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay,” Trump declared.
The proposed legislation would prohibit members of Congress, as well as their spouses and dependent children, from purchasing individual publicly traded stocks. It would also require lawmakers and their immediate family members to provide seven days’ public notice before selling any stock holdings.
The New York Post reports that Warren has consistently supported similar measures aimed at restricting congressional stock trading.
“They stood up for that — I can’t believe it,” Trump exclaimed. “Did Nancy Pelosi stand up for that?”
“Doubt it,” he added.
The bill has advanced out of a House committee but has yet to receive a vote on the House floor.
While most Democrats remained seated and offered limited applause throughout the evening, there were scattered moments of bipartisan response. Warren also stood in support when Trump stated that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Republicans have frequently criticized Pelosi over stock trades made by her husband that coincided with major market shifts. According to Quiver Quantitative, Pelosi’s net worth exceeds $269 million, placing the retiring California Democrat among the wealthiest members of Congress.
During Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address, Pelosi famously tore up a copy of his speech on the House floor while seated behind him, immediately after the address wrapped.