President Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday to cheers of “USA” from the gathered crowd of Wall Street CEOs, business leaders, and traders.
The event marked the first time that Trump had rung the bell at the NYSE since taking office in January. The president was accompanied by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and other members of his economic team.
As the bell rang out, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers of “USA” could be heard throughout the exchange. Trump smiled and waved to the crowd, clearly pleased with the warm reception he received.
In his remarks following the bell ringing, Trump touted the strength of the U.S. economy under his administration, citing record low unemployment, rising wages, and strong GDP growth. He also praised the stock market, which has seen significant gains since he took office.
“We are making America great again,” Trump declared. “And the stock market is a big part of that.”
The president’s appearance at the NYSE was met with mixed reactions from both Wall Street and Main Street. While some praised Trump for his pro-business policies and the strong performance of the stock market, others criticized his handling of trade negotiations and his unpredictable behavior, which they argue creates uncertainty for investors.
Regardless of one’s political leanings, there’s no denying the significance of a sitting president ringing the bell at the NYSE. It’s a symbolic gesture that underscores the close relationship between the White House and Wall Street, and serves as a reminder of the impact that government policies can have on the economy.
As Trump left the exchange to continue his day in New York City, the cheers of “USA” lingered in the air, a reminder of the optimism and patriotism that continues to drive the American economy forward.