Trump's 'Stop Insider Trading Act' mention in SOTU speech wins unexpected applause from Elizabeth Warren

On February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term, speaking for a staggering 1 hour and 48 minutes—the longest in U.S. history. For the most part, Democrats attending the speech looked somber in disagreement, rarely clapping, and occasionally interrupting the President. However, in a rare display, Senator Elizabeth Warren rose to her feet and joined a standing ovation when the President called for a ban on congressional stock trading.

The incident, widely shared on social media, happened when Trump announced that he would work with both parties to pass the "Stop Insider Trading Act," a move he framed as a way to "drain the swamp" once and for all. "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 said.

Warren, a fierce critic of Trump, joined several other lawmakers to cheer the President's statement. She was seen getting up on her feet to applaud Trump when he announced the "Stop Insider Trading Act." Seizing the moment, Trump took a direct swipe at former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has long been criticised for well-timed trades her husband has made over the years. "They stood up for that— I can't believe it. Did Nancy Pelosi stand up for that? Doubt it," Trump said. However, Warren later criticized Trump's address in a series of tweets, questioning his alleged failure in lowering inflation, healthcare costs, and housing prices.

Pelosi, one of the wealthiest lawmakers in Congress, with a net worth of over $269 million, as per Quiver Quantitative, had infamously torn Trump's 2020 State of the Union speech in full view of the cameras. As Trump's statement invoked a large cheer from the attendees of the event, Pelosi was seen sitting beside Rep. Ro Khanna, taking notes and glaring at the President. Later, the former House speaker took to X to criticise the President's address. "Six years ago, I tore up Trump's speech because it was a manifesto of lies. Tonight's SOTU address made clear he's nothing if not consistent," she wrote, posting a clip of her recent appearance on CNN. 

The "Stop Insider Trading Act," championed in the House by Representative Bryan Steil (R-WI), aims to drastically tighten the ethical guardrails on Capitol Hill by prohibiting members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing any additional individual stocks. While the bill does not mandate the immediate liquidation of existing holdings, it introduces a stringent "transparency first" selling requirement, forcing lawmakers to provide a public notice of intent at least seven days before they or their family members can execute a stock sale.