Washington DC Insider Michael Whatley Reported Owning Millions in Individual Stocks
RALEIGH – Today, Roy Cooper released the following statement calling on Washington DC insider Michael Whatley to sell his individual stocks and commit to not buying or trading individual stocks regardless of whether a congressional stock trading ban passes. Whatley reported owning millions in individual stocks on his latest financial disclosure and has already profited from policy decisions he championed as a candidate.
“If Michael Whatley truly believes public service is about serving North Carolinians and not boosting his own portfolio, he should commit to selling his individual stocks today,” said Roy Cooper. “Michael Whatley has already profited from policy decisions he championed, eroding what little trust people already have in Washington politicians. I believe candidates must earn the trust of North Carolinians, which is why I didn’t own or trade any individual stocks as Governor, don’t own or trade individual stocks as a candidate, and it’s why I won’t as U.S. Senator, regardless of whether a ban is passed – Michael Whatley should commit to doing the same.”
In December, Governor Cooper announced his support for a ban on the trading of individual stocks for members of Congress and top Executive Branch officials. For months, Michael Whatley didn’t respond to requests for comment on if he supported a ban.
Governor Cooper did not own or trade individual stocks during his eight years as Governor of North Carolina. He also worked to advance transparency and trust in government throughout his career, including by recovering millions in Medicaid fraud and fighting to give investigators and prosecutors the resources they need to fight public corruption.
###