Congressman’s Drone Stock Windfall Sparks Insider Trading Scrutiny
Representative Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA) turned a $15,000 investment in AeroVironment into a 54% gain within weeks, as the defense contractor's stock surged from $235.32 to $363.86 between December 2025 and January 2026. The transaction coincides with Cisneros' committee assignments overseeing military intelligence and defense appropriations.
AeroVironment's battlefield drones have seen increased demand amid global conflicts, with its NASDAQ-listed shares (AVAV) becoming a favored play among defense sector investors. The company's pivot toward AI-enabled swarm technologies mirrors broader Pentagon priorities.
Ethics watchdogs note the trade highlights persistent gaps in congressional disclosure rules, which allow lawmakers to report transactions months after execution. Cisneros' office maintains the investment complied with all ethics requirements.