TLDR
- Representative Gilbert Cisneros made a 54% profit from an investment in AeroVironment stock in less than a month.
- Cisneros purchased up to $15,000 worth of shares in the drone company on December 15, 2025.
- The stock price surged from $235.32 to $363.86 by January 14, 2026.
- Cisneros is a member of key Congressional committees related to defense and intelligence.
- His trade raises concerns about potential insider trading due to his access to classified military information.
Representative Gilbert Cisneros of California has attracted attention following his latest financial disclosure. The politician made a substantial profit in just a few weeks from an investment in AeroVironment, a company that produces drones used in military operations. The timing of the stock trade, combined with Cisneros’ position on key Congressional committees, has raised concerns about the potential for insider trading.
AeroVironment Stock Surges After December Purchase
Cisneros bought up to $15,000 worth of AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) shares on December 15, 2025. At the time, the stock was valued at $235.32 per share. By January 14, 2026, the stock price had soared to $363.86, representing a 54% return on investment.
The timing of this trade stands out due to the quick rise in the stock price and Cisneros’ position on several important Congressional committees. He is a member of the Committee on Armed Services and the Intelligence and Special Operations and Military Personnel subcommittees. These roles give him insight into military activities, including defense spending and operations involving drones, which could have influenced his decision to invest in AeroVironment.
Suspicion Grows Over Potential Insider Trading
Cisneros’ financial trade raises questions about whether he had access to classified information that may have impacted his decision. Several military actions took place between the time of the stock purchase and January 14, 2026. The U.S. conducted bombings in Nigeria, a special forces operation in Venezuela, and made military threats against multiple countries, including Denmark.
The surge in war stocks has also been linked to President Donald Trump’s comments on increasing defense spending. He suggested a $1.5 trillion budget for 2027, a dramatic increase from current levels. These events, paired with Cisneros’ role in key defense-related committees, have led some to speculate about the potential for insider trading, even as many politicians claim they have no direct control over their financial holdings.
The financial success of this trade, combined with Cisneros’ position and the broader context of rising defense tensions, continues to attract attention. Despite the claims of transparency by many politicians, the timing of this specific stock trade raises red flags for some observers. The financial disclosure has prompted calls for further investigation into the matter.
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