During a recent episode of The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) called out insider trading practices among Democrats in Congress, labeling it a glaring example of hypocrisy.
The discussion touched on several topics, including the need for elected officials to match their rhetoric with action and the broader implications of ethical lapses within Congress.
“There needs to be Democrats who walk the walk and talk the talk,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
“There is an insane amount of hypocrisy, and the hypocrisy is what gets exploited to use the cynicism and wherever there’s a hypocritical window. For example, I think one of the biggest examples of this is insider trading in Congress.”
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The lawmaker, who has been vocal about banning elected officials from stock trading, emphasized the importance of addressing these ethical concerns to restore public trust.
“It’s so crazy. I mean, like, it’s the end of the thing. Like, people think that everyday people are stupid. I’m like, ‘do you all really think that people don’t see this sh*t?’” she added.
Stewart expanded on the issue, noting that lawmakers can serve on committees with access to privileged information regarding business deals and government contracts, which they can use to inform their personal investment decisions.

Ocasio-Cortez agreed and criticized the perception that corruption is exclusive to Republicans.
“And then we’re supposed to act like money only corrupts Republicans? Give me a f**king break,” she stated during the interview.
AOC confirms to Jon Stewart that Congress is filled with a bunch of insider trading crooks who get rich buying and selling stocks in industries they’re responsible for regulating. pic.twitter.com/PeirJ6RxtM
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 24, 2025
The topic of insider trading in Congress has drawn increased scrutiny, particularly regarding high-profile figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who has faced accusations of trading based on privileged information.
Pelosi’s trading activity has even inspired trading software that mimics her investment strategy, raising further questions about ethical standards for elected officials.
Ocasio-Cortez, alongside other lawmakers, has advocated for legislation to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks while in office.
Proposals aim to prevent conflicts of interest and curb opportunities for insider trading among elected officials.
Stewart criticized the current system, stating that lawmakers effectively “run the casino” by regulating industries where they can also make financial gains.
He pointed out the inherent conflict of interest in this dynamic and highlighted how such practices contribute to public distrust in government institutions.
Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks come amid growing public concern about the ethical behavior of Congress members.
Recent polls indicate that many Americans believe lawmakers should face stricter rules to prevent financial conflicts of interest.
As calls for reform continue to gain momentum, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle face increased pressure to address insider trading practices and restore trust in the legislative process.
Whether proposals to ban stock trading in Congress will advance remains to be seen.
The episode highlighted the bipartisan nature of the issue and the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure accountability and fairness in government.
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