How should we view Richard Burr, Chair of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, having privately warned his major donors about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic on February 27—and subsequently sold off his personal stock holdings?

From this, one can infer that Richard Burr’s stark warning about the severity of the pandemic at the Capitol Hill Club three weeks earlier was truly a heartfelt disclosure—made expressly to repay his Republican donors who had contributed real money. 3. Who leaked the information? I believe the content of Richard Burr’s remarks was so shocking that someone in attendance secretly recorded them and passed the recording on to others. The recording then circulated widely until it landed in the hands of the media—possibly even with influence from the Democratic Party. As Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr holds one of the most critical positions controlled by the Republican Party. He is also a close ally of Donald Trump in the Senate and previously served as Trump’s national security advisor during Trump’s presidential campaign. Moreover, as Intelligence Committee Chair, Burr was fully involved in both the Russia investigation (‘Russiagate’) and the Ukraine investigation (‘Ukrainegate’) targeting Trump. Had he not been a close Trump ally—but instead a Republican anti-Trump figure like Mitt Romney—Trump might well have been brought down by those investigations. Just consider: Burr’s recorded remarks were exposed at the very same time as revelations about his insider stock trading. Isn’t that just too coincidental? 4. Are members of Congress allowed to trade stocks? This topic has long been one I’ve wanted to address seriously—because, to my knowledge, many members of Congress and their staff do indeed profit from stock trading using privileged access. Regarding ‘insider trading’ in the stock market, the U.S. actually has a regulatory system in place. For instance, lawyers or financial professionals who gain advance knowledge of corporate mergers, acquisitions, or IPOs are prohibited from engaging in personal stock trades. Yet U.S. law has long contained a blind spot: members of Congress and their staff—who likewise receive advance information—are not subject to such restrictions. Members of Congress and their staff obtain privileged information through several channels: First, they effectively wield godlike power to manipulate markets directly. For example, when Congress holds a hearing on the technology sector, tech stock prices fluctuate accordingly. Before the hearing, members have the authority to invite and select witnesses—and thus obtain witness testimony in advance. They also deliver opening and closing statements during the hearing, and their tone and framing significantly shape the entire hearing’s narrative. Consequently, individual members can single-handedly influence stock price movements. Second, the passage—or failure—of legislation can greatly impact stock market volatility, especially bills concerning infrastructure, impeachment, or healthcare—matters central to America’s future. But is the outcome of such legislation truly unknown until the final vote? No. Long before voting occurs, members typically know the result in advance through behind-the-scenes negotiations (commonly called ‘under-curtain politics’); the actual vote is often merely a formality. Thus, members can easily profit by anticipating legislative outcomes. Third, members and their staff can exploit their official positions and influence to learn in advance about major corporate mergers, acquisitions, or IPO plans. Given their exalted status, many corporations and lobbyists willingly offer ‘bribes’—in the form of favors or contributions—to members of Congress, hoping for future assistance. Yet U.S. law remains strict: even though lobbying constitutes a legally sanctioned form of ‘corruption,’ political contributions that members may accept remain tightly capped.

Multiple U.S. lawmakers sold large volumes of stock before the American stock market plunged due to the COVID-19 pandemic—prompting accusations of illegal insider trading and widespread public condemnation. The U.S. cable news network CNN reported on March 30 that the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into these pre-crash stock transactions.

Multiple members of Congress have come under suspicion of illegal insider trading after selling large volumes of stock shortly before the U.S. stock market crashed amid the COVID-19 pandemic—sparking widespread public outcry. CNN reported exclusively on March 30 that two informed sources revealed the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into these lawmakers’ stock transactions preceding the market crash. CNN report screenshot The investigation is still in its early stages, and the Department of Justice is currently coordinating with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Citing one of the informed sources, the report states that, to date, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has already contacted at least Republican Senator Richard Burr to seek information regarding his stock trades. The report notes that Burr was among the lawmakers who sold substantial amounts of stock before the pandemic-triggered market collapse. Earlier U.S. media reports indicated that he sold stocks valued between $628,000 and $1.7 million in late January and early February. Burr claimed he based his decision solely on publicly available media reports. Regarding the Justice Department’s investigation, Burr’s attorney issued a statement to CNN on February 29, saying Burr ‘welcomes a thorough factual review, which will confirm that his conduct was appropriate.’ Earlier U.S. media reports cited U.S. Senate filings showing that Republican Senators Burr, Kelly Loeffler, and Jim Inhofe—as well as Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein—had all sold large volumes of stock before the U.S. stock market plummeted. Inhofe sold stocks worth $400,000, while the other three each sold stocks valued in the millions of dollars.

Linde Shares Sold by Rep. Kevin Hern

2 days ago

Representative Kevin Hern sold between $15,001 and $50,000 in Linde stock via his family foundation. Linde simultaneously reported strong quarterly earnings with $4.50 EPS and maintained its 2026 guidance.

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