By Adam Stanton
December 24, 2025
A dramatic new video, produced by James O’Keefe of O’Keefe Media Group (OMG), has gone viral, exposing alleged insider trading by prominent Democratic lawmakers using privileged committee information to reap massive personal profits in the stock market. The revelations, which center on defense, environmental, and public works contracts, have raised renewed questions about ethics and accountability in Congress.
The Allegations in Detail
According to the video, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz made a significant purchase of stock in ViaSat shortly before the company was awarded multimillion-dollar NASA and Department of Defense contracts. The timing of the trade, coupled with Wasserman Schultz’s position on the Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Military Construction, has drawn scrutiny. After the contracts were announced, ViaSat stock reportedly surged, netting significant gains for the lawmaker.
The video continues with Rep. Susie Lee, who allegedly bought shares in Rheinmetall, a German defense company, shortly before new defense contracts were awarded. The stock reportedly increased by 250%, and Lee’s committee assignments on military construction projects have fueled suspicions of using insider knowledge for personal profit.
Lastly, OMG’s investigation highlights Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s purchase of stock in Badger Meter, a company specializing in automated water meters. The senator sits on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Shortly after the Environmental Protection Agency issued mandates encouraging municipalities to adopt automated water meters, Mullin’s investment reportedly climbed 40% before he sold his position.
Viral Reaction and Public Outcry
The video quickly gained traction on social media, with conservatives and political commentators denouncing the alleged actions. One post announcing the clip stated:
“BREAKING – Three Democrats, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Susie Lee, and Sen. Mark Warner, who sit on committees controlling defense, environmental, and public works spending, have been caught buying stocks tied to those sectors, seeing gains of up to 250 percent.”
Viewers expressed outrage in the comments sections, questioning why members of Congress are rarely held accountable for financial misconduct:
- “When will members of Congress ever be held legally accountable for their insider trading?”
- “Greed has taken over far too many of our elected officials.”
Potential Implications
If these allegations are verified, the lawmakers involved could face serious ethical and legal consequences. Insider trading in Congress is prohibited under the STOCK Act of 2012, which forbids lawmakers from using non-public information obtained through their official duties for personal financial gain. Violations can lead to fines, censure, or even criminal prosecution.
The timing of the trades, paired with committee positions that directly influence contracts and regulations affecting these companies, raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for stricter oversight of congressional financial activity.
Broader Concerns about Congressional Accountability
This scandal comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny over ethics in Washington, as voters demand transparency and integrity from elected officials. While congressional insider trading is illegal, critics argue that enforcement has been historically weak, allowing lawmakers to profit from information not available to the public.
By drawing attention to trades linked to defense, environmental, and infrastructure contracts, the OMG video underscores the importance of strict monitoring and compliance in Congress, especially for lawmakers who influence industries directly tied to taxpayer-funded projects.
Next Steps
Ethics committees in both the House and Senate may be called upon to investigate the allegations further. If wrongdoing is confirmed, lawmakers could face sanctions ranging from fines to removal from committee positions. Meanwhile, public reaction suggests growing frustration with perceived corruption in government and the urgent need for reforms to prevent elected officials from leveraging their positions for financial gain.
