Trump rings NYSE bell as he kicks off 'Trump Accounts', says kids can build wealth

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Monday, July 6, became the first sitting president to ring the opening bells of both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the Oval Office as he officially launched the administration's new "Trump Accounts" program, a government-backed investment initiative designed to help American children build long-term wealth.

During the ceremony, Trump said more than 500,000 children had already received $1,000 seed deposits and predicted that the accounts would allow young Americans to accumulate significant savings by adulthood.

The White House said the launch followed the Fourth of July weekend celebrations and marked the beginning of what Trump described as a major investment in America's future.

Trump pitches wealth-building initiative

Calling the program "absolutely incredible for children," Trump said the accounts were created to give young Americans a financial head start.

"Children can, at the age of 18 and after, become very wealthy people," Trump said. "They can come into the world with essentially no money and end up at a pretty young age being very rich."

He added that leaders had discussed creating a similar initiative for more than two decades before Congress approved the program.

According to Trump, every eligible child receives a one-time federal contribution of $1,000, while families and private donors can make additional contributions over time.

Millions enter stock market

Trump announced that more than 500,000 American children had already received their initial deposits.

He also thanked philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell, saying additional private contributions would expand the program's reach.

"With the ringing of the opening bell for the stock market, Trump Accounts will now begin to grow right along with our booming economy," he said.

The president estimated that roughly $800 million in new capital would enter the stock market this week through the combination of federal seed funding and private donations.

Trump jokes about keeping the ceremonial bell

Before ringing the ceremonial bell, Trump joked that he hoped it would remain at the White House.

"I'm not giving that bell back," he said, laughing. "I'm going to put that in the middle of the new ballroom."

Trump touts economy and military

Trump also used the event to highlight what he described as a successful Fourth of July weekend and strong economic momentum.

He claimed large crowds returned after weather delays disrupted Independence Day celebrations. He also praised the country's economic performance, saying the United States had the world's strongest military and was performing well internationally.

The president reiterated that the administration's economic agenda was aimed at expanding prosperity for future generations, describing the "Trump Accounts" program as another step toward creating long-term financial opportunities for American families.