President-elect Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday, marking a historic moment for the native New Yorker. This event coincided with his recognition as Time magazine’s Person of the Year for the second time, following a decisive election victory in November.
Addressing the crowd before ringing the bell, Trump expressed his gratitude, calling the honor “tremendous.” Reflecting on his Time magazine recognition, he remarked, “Getting this honor for the second time— I think I like it better this time.”
Accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, Trump smiled broadly as chants of “USA” filled the exchange. Raising his fist, he then initiated the trading day at 9:30 a.m.
During his speech, Trump highlighted his vision for his incoming administration, including his pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and pledged to expedite permits for billion-dollar infrastructure projects. “I think we’re going to have a tremendous run. There are big problems to solve in the world, but we’ll straighten them out,” he said.
Sam Jacobs, editor-in-chief of Time, announced Trump’s recognition on NBC’s Today show, stating the honor reflects his profound impact on the news cycle in 2024. “For better or worse, Trump made an historic comeback, reshaping the presidency and American politics,” Jacobs explained. Trump was first named Time Person of the Year in 2016 after his initial election victory.
In an interview with the magazine, Trump credited his campaign’s success to a 72-day blitz leading to the election. “We hit the nerve of the country. The country was angry,” he said. The magazine cover featuring Trump was projected at the NYSE during the ceremony, while his favored song, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” played in the background. Following the event, Trump returned to his Florida residence.
The NYSE often invites celebrities and leaders to participate in the ceremonial bell-ringing, a symbolic moment in culture and politics.
Trump, known for his fascination with Time covers, made his first appearance in 1989 and has claimed, albeit inaccurately, to hold the record for cover features. His image was famously displayed on a fake Time cover hung in his golf clubs, as reported by The Washington Post in 2017.
In the latest Time interview, Trump confirmed plans to pardon many convicted of participating in the January 6 Capitol riots, promising to act “within the first hour” of his presidency. He dismissed the idea of loyalty pledges for his administration but warned of firing those who defy his policies.
Trump also discussed the future of his “Make America Great Again” movement, expressing hopes of leaving behind a legacy of competent leaders. He hinted that family members, including daughter-in-law Lara Trump, might play a role in shaping his political dynasty. Lara, who recently stepped down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, has hinted at a potential Senate run, especially with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., awaiting confirmation as Secretary of State.
Known for his career as a real estate mogul and reality TV star on The Apprentice, Trump has long tapped into Americans’ economic concerns. Speaking to CNBC after the NYSE event, he compared his planned federal workforce reductions to his on-screen firings. “Unfortunately, there are too many of them. We’ll be doing the same thing,” he said.
After the ceremony, Trump walked the trading floor, shaking hands with traders and enjoying the moment of celebration.
