Republican Representative Backs Iran War, Then Cashes Out Chevron Stock At All-Time High

Investors continue to closely track trading activity in Congress, where the timing of trades, committee roles, and other factors can raise red‑flag concerns about potential conflicts of interest. One lawmaker recently sold several oil‑related stocks at all‑time highs following military actions in Iran. Congressman David Taylor Ditches Oil Stocks Members of Congress holding oil stocks have seen their portfolios gain as the U.S. strike on Iran sent oil prices — and energy shares — sharply higher. Congressman David Taylor (R‑Ohio) chose to cash in, according to a recent financial disclosure. While he also reported new purchases, it's the well‑timed sales that are likely to draw the most investor attention. Here are the sales, as reported by Quiver Quantitative: March 12: Sold $1,000 to $15,000 in Chevron (NYSE:CVX) stock March 11: Sold $1,000 to $15,000 in Chevron stock March 11: Sold $1,000 to $15,000 in Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:MPC) stock March 11: Sold $1,000 to $15,000 in Marathon Petroleum stock Both stock sales were executed with shares trading at or near all‑time highs. Chevron traded between $186.49 and $191.86 on March 11 and between $191.77 and $198.88 on March 12. Taylor joined Congress in 2025 and reported no Chevron purchases and only one small Marathon Petroleum buy that year, suggesting he likely owned both stocks before taking office. While his original purchase prices are unknown, the closing prices show he sold at an exceptionally strong moment. Chevron shares were up roughly 19.1% to 24.1% at the time of sale, while Marathon Petroleum was up 28.3% to 32.9%. Taylor Supports Attack On Iran Taylor has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump‘s war on Iran. "I fully support the long-overdue action taken by President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and our amazing men and women in uniform," Taylor tweeted on March 3. The congressman said Iran has been attacking the U.S. and its allies ever since 1979, adding the Middle East nation should never be able to develop a nuclear weapon, something they had made progress on. "They have killed thousands of our citizens, both civilians and military, and they are bent on our ultimate destruction,” he said. “I applaud President Trump for swiftly and decisively taking action that is well within the bounds of his authority as Commander in Chief." Taylor’s comments came days before he sold oil stocks and pocketed a juicy gain as the conflict roiled global markets. Image via Shutterstock