
Ocasio-Cortez Denounces Lawmakers' Stock Trading, Citing Hypocrisy
In a recent interview on Jon Stewart's "The Weekly Show" podcast, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) voiced her strong disapproval of lawmakers owning and trading stocks. She highlighted what she sees as a glaring "hypocrisy" within her own party on this issue.
Ocasio-Cortez argued that Democrats need to ensure their actions align with their words, pointing to insider trading in Congress as a prime example of this hypocrisy. She expressed disbelief that people believe the public is unaware of these practices.
"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 most biggest examples of this is insider trading in Congress."
Stewart agreed with Ocasio-Cortez, noting that the positions lawmakers hold on committees give them access to insider information that could potentially enhance their trading portfolios.
"And then we're supposed to act like money only corrupts Republicans?" Ocasio-Cortez added.
Their remarks come amidst increasing demands for a prohibition on lawmakers trading stocks. Critics argue that it creates a conflict of interest and provides an unfair advantage to those in power.
The recent comments by Ocasio-Cortez and Stewart bring this issue back into the spotlight, potentially prompting further discussion and action on the matter. As public figures with significant influence, their stance could sway public opinion and pressure lawmakers to reconsider their position on this issue.