White House Criticizes Pelosi Over Schiff’s Calls for Trump Administration Financial and Ethics Documents

Senator Adam Schiff, Democrat of California, faced a wave of criticism after urging the White House to release financial disclosure reports for senior officials, sparking a pointed retort from allies of former President Donald Trump. The clash highlighted renewed scrutiny over lawmakers’ personal finances and allegations of insider trading, with critics turning the spotlight back on prominent Democrats including longtime Representative Nancy Pelosi.

In a letter addressed to White House Counsel David Warrington and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Schiff expressed what he called "continued and growing concern" about the administration’s apparent failure to submit required financial disclosure documents to the Office of Government Ethics within the legally mandated timeframe. Schiff pressed the White House for a list of officials obligated to file so-called "new entrant" reports, an explanation for any delays in transmitting these documents, and details on penalties assessed for late filings.

The White House responded swiftly, dismissing Schiff's demands as partisan and emphasizing that all required officials are complying with federal transparency laws. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated that “all officials here who are required to file public reports continue to comply with their obligations, including the obligation to file periodic transaction reports disclosing the purchase or sale of certain securities.”

Despite those assurances, opposition voices seized on the moment to revive longstanding accusations against Pelosi regarding alleged insider trading—a topic that has generated ongoing controversy on Capitol Hill. Kush Desai, a spokesman for Trump, called attention to Pelosi’s considerable net worth and asserted, “The American people remain highly concerned about Nancy Pelosi’s long, documented history of insider trading and eagerly await Adam Schiff refocusing his political stunt on serious issues, like Pelosi’s portfolio.”

Pelosi, who has served in Congress for nearly four decades, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains she does not personally own stocks or have advance knowledge of individual transactions. Her spokesman reiterated recently that the former Speaker "does not own any stocks, and she has no prior knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions." When questioned last month about proposals for a congressional stock trading ban, Pelosi signaled general support, saying, "if they do, they do," and indicating she would support such legislation if it reached her desk.

The controversy comes as lawmakers from both parties seek to bolster public trust and transparency. Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, introduced the PELOSI Act—short for Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments—in 2023, directly referencing the allegations that have trailed Pelosi for years. Former President Trump himself has voiced support for such legislation, stating, "I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be OK with [a ban]. If they send that to me, I would do it."

As the debate intensifies, Schiff’s critics argue that calls for increased transparency must apply across party lines, not just within the White House. While Schiff insists his concerns are rooted in ethics and public trust, the issue remains politically charged—marking yet another battleground in the ongoing dispute over the intersection of government service and private financial interests.