WASHINGTON, D.C. December 28, 2025 – In a fiery appearance on Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show,” Florida Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna claimed that opposition to a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine stems not just from partisan politics but from financial incentives tied to defense contractors. Luna, a member of the House Oversight Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested that many lawmakers in Washington—across both parties—are reluctant to end the conflict because of personal investments in companies profiting from prolonged warfare.
During the interview, host Tommy addressed criticism from Democrats regarding President Trump’s efforts to broker peace, labeling Trump the “peace-president.” Luna responded by dismissing Democratic attacks as rooted in outdated “Russiagate” narratives from the 2016 election, which she called “debunked.” She pointed to historical precedents, noting that President Bill Clinton maintained good relations with Moscow. However, Luna broadened her critique: “There are many people, not just Democrats, in Washington that don’t want a peace deal to go through, and that’s because a lot of them have an invested interest into some of these defense contractors—their personal investments with their stock portfolios.” Despite pushback, Luna expressed optimism, stating she has seen internal conversations and believes a deal will happen.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions over Trump’s proposed Ukraine-Russia peace framework, which has faced bipartisan scrutiny. A group of senators recently voiced “significant concerns” about the plan, arguing it could undermine U.S. security interests. Luna’s comments echo her earlier criticisms, including a November statement accusing GOP senators of trying to derail peace efforts due to heavy investments in defense stocks. She has also targeted prominent Democrats like Nancy Pelosi for allegedly profiting from the war.
Data from 2024-2025 supports Luna’s broader point about congressional stock trading. An analysis revealed that U.S. lawmakers traded up to $113 million in arms-related stocks last year, with more than 50 members or their families holding shares in top defense contractors like RTX (formerly Raytheon), Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. At least 37 members traded defense stocks in 2024 alone, often while serving on committees that oversee Pentagon budgets and foreign aid. Notable examples include Sen. Susan Collins’ spouse holding Boeing shares and Sen. Jerry Moran owning stock while on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In 2025, trades like Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s in Microsoft (which has defense ties) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s Broadcom options reached million-dollar levels. Critics argue this creates conflicts of interest, especially as Congress approved nearly $1 trillion in defense spending, with half going to these firms.
The ETHICS Act, proposed by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), aims to ban congressional stock trading, including targeted restrictions on defense holdings, but it remains stalled amid resistance from insiders. Progressive outlets like Common Dreams have called for a full ban, stating, “If Congress wants to wash itself of conflicts of interest, it can start by passing a stock trading ban.” Meanwhile, defense stocks have rallied amid global tensions, with some politicians positioned to profit from escalations like the Israel-Iran conflict. Even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has faced scrutiny for buying defense stocks shortly before criticizing “profitable wars.”
Reactions on X were swift and polarized. Supporters amplified Luna’s claims, with one user stating, “This isn’t conspiracy—it’s structural incentive. Ending the war saves lives but threatens revenue streams.” Another called for audits, naming Sen. Lindsey Graham as a key figure “laundering money through Washington.” Critics, however, dismissed the narrative as oversimplified, with one post arguing that Trump’s plan demands Ukrainian concessions and could benefit Russian interests. Others highlighted broader corruption, including RINOs involved in “Ukraine money laundering” schemes.
International voices have weighed in, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s leverage questioned amid battlefield setbacks and U.S. aid dependencies. s the Trump administration floats ideas like equity stakes in contractors like Lockheed Martin, the debate over “peace vs. profits” intensifies. Luna’s push for transparency, including her efforts to ban lawmaker stock trading, could gain traction if bipartisan support grows. For now, the conflict’s end remains elusive, with financial entanglements in Washington casting a long shadow.
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