A political spat has erupted between California Democrat Adam Schiff and the White House after Schiff demanded financial transparency from top administration officials — a move that quickly drew sharp criticism and counter-accusations from former Trump allies.
Schiff recently sent letters to White House Counsel David Warrington and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, raising alarm over what he described as a failure to submit required financial disclosures to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) within legal deadlines. He called on the administration to name all officials who are obligated to file “new entrant” reports, explain the delay in their certification, and disclose any resulting penalties.
The White House swiftly rebuffed Schiff’s claims. In a statement to Fox News Digital, spokesperson Taylor Rogers emphasized that every official mandated to submit public financial reports is complying with the law, including filing disclosures of individual stock transactions.
“Every administration — including the early Trump years — has recognized that transparency is fundamental to public trust. We are continuing that standard,” Rogers said.
But Schiff wasn’t backing down. In a press release, he said some senior officials have not disclosed their financial interests, raising concerns they could be using their positions for personal gain. He argued that ethical compliance and public transparency should not be optional.
Still, the White House didn’t let the matter rest. Trump adviser Kush Desai pushed back hard, suggesting Schiff’s crusade for accountability should start closer to home — specifically with fellow Californian and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“The American people are still waiting for Adam Schiff to shift focus to Nancy Pelosi’s well-documented record of insider trading accusations,” Desai told ABC News.
Pelosi, who is estimated to have a personal fortune exceeding $120 million, has faced years of scrutiny over her financial dealings — particularly stock trades made by her husband. When questioned about the matter last month, she declined to comment. Her spokesperson Ian Krager later said, “She owns no stocks, nor is she involved in any trades.”
That hasn’t silenced critics. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced the PELOSI Act in 2023 — short for “Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments.” The bill aims to stop members of Congress from trading stocks while in office. Representative Mark Alford introduced a similar bill in the House, saying it was meant to reinforce Hawley’s efforts.
“Lawmakers are supposed to represent the people — not line their own pockets with stock trades,” said Hawley. “The American public has seen too many politicians use insider information for personal profit. It’s time to put an end to it and restore trust in Congress.”
Alford echoed that sentiment: “As elected officials, we must lead by example and eliminate even the perception of corruption. Unfortunately, too many in Congress are taking advantage of privileged information to enrich themselves.”
While Schiff continues to push for White House accountability, Republicans are seizing the moment to raise deeper questions about ethics on Capitol Hill — and Pelosi remains a central figure in that debate.
