United States President-elect, Donald Trump, made history on Thursday by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for the first time.
The ceremonial honour coincided with Trump being named TIME Magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year, marking the second time he has received the recognition.
Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, called the occasion “a tremendous honour” as he addressed a cheering crowd chanting “USA” before raising his fist to open the trading day at NYSE.
The recognition from TIME came as a testament to Trump’s political resurgence, transforming from an embattled former president who refused to concede his 2020 election defeat to decisively reclaiming the White House in November.
TIME’s editor-in-chief, Sam Jacobs, announced Trump as the ‘2024 Person of the Year’ on NBC’s ‘Today’ show, saying, “This is someone who made a historic comeback, reshaped the American presidency, and is reordering American politics. It’s hard to argue that anyone else had more influence on the news in 2024.”
Addressing the honour, Trump quipped, “TIME magazine—getting this honoir for the second time—I think I like it better this time, actually.”
In an interview with TIME, Trump attributed his campaign success to what he called “72 Days of Fury.” He said, “We hit the nerve of the country. The country was angry.”
During his remarks at the NYSE, Trump highlighted key policies and appointees in his incoming administration, including Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent. He also pledged expedited federal permits, including environmental approvals, for projects exceeding $1 billion.
“I think we’re going to have a tremendous run,” Trump said. “We have to straighten out some problems, some big problems in the world.”
On CNBC, Trump likened his plans for sweeping cuts to the federal workforce to his signature firings on ‘The Apprentice’. “We’re going to be doing the same thing, I can tell you. Unfortunately, there’s too many of them,” he said.
In his TIME interview, Trump reiterated plans to pardon many of those convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” he stated. “Maybe the first nine minutes.”
He also vowed to proceed with mass deportations, arguing that he would leverage the military to assist despite legal restrictions. “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows,” he said.
On the ongoing Gaza conflict, Trump expressed his desire to end the war but cast doubt on his trust in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I don’t trust anybody,” he told TIME.
As Trump rang the opening bell, a TIME magazine cover featuring him was projected on the NYSE wall, flanked by American flags. His favourite walk-on song, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” played as he stood alongside family and members of his administration.
The NYSE regularly invites high-profile figures for the ceremonial start of trading, making Trump’s appearance a cultural and political marker. After the ceremony, he walked the trading floor, shaking hands with traders.
This marked Trump’s second time as TIME’s Person of the Year, following his recognition in 2016 when he first won the presidency. He was chosen over other finalists, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kate, the Princess of Wales.
Sam Jacobs noted that while there was often heated debate over the selection, “this year was an easier decision than years past.”