Republican infighting: GOP Congressman attacks Rep Marjorie for Pelosi-like Liberation Day stock trades

GOP Rep. Mike Lawler has gone after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after a stock she invested in suddenly surged by 64%. 

There is increasing pressure on Congress to enact reforms that address the ethical concerns surrounding stock trading by lawmakers. The latest pressure comes from GOP representative Mike Lawler, who publicly criticized a fellow Republican representative for her stock trading profile.

Just another reason why stock trading by members of Congress or their spouses should be banned.

The appearance of impropriety, or worse, is too great. https://t.co/H8a7Zlv9sU

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) May 15, 2025

Greene’s rising Impinj stock attracts criticism

A recent stock purchase by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has drawn criticism from fellow GOP members and reignited bipartisan calls to ban members of Congress and their spouses from stock trading.

Greene’s investment in Impinj Inc. ($PI), a small-cap tech company, has now come under scrutiny after its stock surged over 60% following her acquisition.

On March 3, 2025, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene purchased between $1,001 and $15,000 worth of Impinj Inc. stock, a company specializing in RFID technology. This transaction was disclosed on March 9, 2025, in accordance with the STOCK Act.

The increase in Impinj’s stock after MTG’s purchase raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Greene insists that her investments are managed by an external advisor and that she does not influence trading decisions.

Critics argue that such transactions, even if legal, can erode public trust in elected officials. Greene’s financial activities have also been compared to those of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who faced similar scrutiny over her stock investments.

GOP lawmakers call for legislation

The controversy surrounding Greene’s stock trades has intensified internal divisions within the Republican Party. Representative Mike Lawler, who is a co-sponsor of the TRUST in Congress Act, has publicly criticized Greene’s actions.

The TRUST in Congress Act seeks to ban stock trading by lawmakers and their spouses. In a social media post on X, Lawler stated, “Just another reason why stock trading by members of Congress or their spouses should be banned. The appearance of impropriety, or worse, is too great.”

Lawler’s remarks show that there is growing bipartisan support for legislation aimed at prohibiting congressional stock trading.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also supports the movement to impose restrictions on Congress members dipping into markets to avoid any appearance of misconduct. However, Johnson acknowledged that stagnant salaries also pile pressure on lawmakers.

In a different case, Representative Jared Moskowitz made bank from his stock purchases shortly after former President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements. Moskowitz has so far denied any wrongdoing and supports legislation to limit congressional trading.

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