AOC rips into her colleagues for insider trading — says Republicans are ‘far more honest’ about it
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is calling out what she sees as a glaring problem in Washington — lawmakers profiting off the stock market while shaping the very policies that influence it.
During a recent appearance on “The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart,” Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back on the issue of insider trading in Congress. “It’s so crazy … People think that everyday people are stupid. I’m like, do you all really think that people don’t see this s–t?” she said.
Stewart agreed, describing how some lawmakers appear to exploit their positions for financial gain: “They sit on a committee, they get information about a drug or a contract or a thing, they immediately make a call [to] the stock broker … and their portfolio swells.”
Members of Congress are legally allowed to trade stocks, but regulations exist to prevent conflicts of interest. In 2012, former President Barack Obama signed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, which prohibits lawmakers from using non-public information to gain an unfair advantage in the market and requires them to disclose stock trades within 45 days.
Yet, Stewart argued that the system is still rigged in their favor. “You’re regulating the market that you’re trading on, you run the casino,” he said.
Ocasio-Cortez believes the issue is especially damaging to the Democratic Party.
“I think sometimes what my colleagues and other people in the party don’t understand, is that the insider trading that happens in Congress — it explodes the cynicism that fuels the right. It doesn’t benefit us. It benefits Republicans because they make no bones about what class they are here to serve,” she said. “In fact, Republicans are far more honest in this respect sometimes, which is that they’re here to serve the billionaire class, and they make decisions very publicly to serve that billionaire class.”
Stewart and Ocasio-Cortez’s frustration reflects a concern shared by many Americans that the stock market is stacked in favor of those with inside access. In fact, one 2021 survey revealed that nearly half (48%) of U.S. adults believe the stock market is rigged against individual investors.
While everyday investors don’t have the luxury of sitting in congressional hearings or crafting legislation that influences markets, there are still ways to build wealth without relying on stocks. For those looking to diversify — or avoid Wall Street altogether — here are some alternative strategies that can help secure your financial future.
One of the most popular ways to build wealth outside of the stock market is real estate investing. Real estate is a tangible asset that is usually less volatile than stocks and tends to appreciate over time while generating passive income.
It’s also widely considered a hedge against inflation — something many Americans experienced firsthand in recent years. Historically, property values tend to rise alongside inflation, reflecting the increasing costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income often adjusts upward, providing landlords with a steady revenue stream that keeps pace with the cost of living.
To get started, you can purchase a property and become a landlord, earning rental income while building equity. But if managing tenants, maintenance, or coming up with a hefty down payment isn’t ideal, there are other ways to invest in real estate.
One option is real estate investment trusts (REITs), which own income-producing properties, collect rent, and distribute a portion of that income to shareholders as dividends. Many REITs are publicly traded, offering liquidity, transparency and accessibility, but there are also private REITs for those looking to bypass the stock market altogether.
Another alternative is real estate crowdfunding platforms, which allow everyday investors to own stakes of rental properties without the hefty down payments or management responsibilities.
While these platforms have removed traditional barriers to entry faced by small investors, there are risks and disadvantages they should be aware of. For example, returns are not guaranteed and your investments are illiquid.
In 2022, shortly after inflation reached a 40-year high, the art collection of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen sold for a total of $1.5 billion at Christie’s New York, making it the most valuable private collection of all time.
It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate over time: Supply is limited, and many famous pieces have already been snatched up by museums and collectors. Art also has a low correlation with stocks and bonds, which helps with diversification. But these are high-risk, illiquid assets whose value depends on evolving tastes and trends. There are also costs and concerns like proper storage and handling.
Investing in art by the likes of Banksy and Andy Warhol used to be an option only for the ultrarich but is now possible for everyday investors. However, as with real estate crowdfunding, there are disadvantages and risks small investors should keep in mind. Owning a fraction of art comes with risks like the piece losing value or not finding a buyer, and the art market is not overseen by financial regulators.
Navigating today’s financial landscape can feel overwhelming. With new investment options emerging and expert opinions often clashing, it’s difficult to know where to put your money. While some Wall Street analysts predict strong stock market performance in 2025, others — like JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon — warn that stock prices are “inflated by any measure.” JPMorgan strategist Dubravko Lakos-Bujas estimates a price target of 6,500 for the S&P 500, a modest increase from current levels.
If you’re finding it difficult to make sense of the noise, now could be the right time to get in touch with a financial adviser.
Everyone’s financial situation is unique, with different goals, obligations, and risk tolerance. A professional can help craft a strategy tailored to your needs — whether you’re looking to grow wealth, diversify beyond stocks, or secure your long-term financial future.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
