On Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump made history as he rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marking his first time participating in this iconic event. The occasion was even more special because it came after Trump was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year for the second time, cementing his extraordinary journey from a disgraced ex-president who wouldn't accept his election loss, to a victorious president-elect who decisively won back the White House just weeks ago. This recognition underscores the remarkable political comeback he made, capturing national attention and reshaping American politics in the process.
A Moment of Triumph
Accompanied by his wife, Melania, his daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, Trump was in high spirits as the bell rang at precisely 9:30 a.m. As the crowd at the exchange chanted "USA," Trump raised his fist in victory, a clear sign of his enthusiasm and confidence. He was clearly moved by the moment, calling it “a tremendous honor” to be part of such a significant occasion. Reflecting on his second time being named Person of the Year, he added with a grin, "I think I like it better this time actually."
Trump took a moment to share his excitement with the crowd before turning his attention to his incoming administration, including his Treasury pick, Scott Bessent. He also spoke about some of the sweeping policy plans he has announced, such as his commitment to expedite federal permits and environmental approvals for major construction and projects valued over $1 billion. With his usual confidence, he remarked, “I think we’re going to have a tremendous run. We have to straighten out some problems, some big problems in the world.”
A Powerful Comeback and Historical Influence
Sam Jacobs, the editor-in-chief of Time Magazine, officially announced on NBC’s Today show that Trump was 2024’s Person of the Year. Jacobs highlighted Trump's immense influence over the past year, noting that he had, for better or worse, shaped the news cycle like no other. “This is someone who made an historic comeback, who reshaped the American presidency and who’s reordering American politics,” Jacobs said. “It’s hard to argue with the fact that the person who’s moving into the Oval Office is the most influential person in news.”
In his Time interview, Trump recounted his final campaign push, which he dubbed “72 Days of Fury.” He emphasized how he tapped into the anger and frustration felt by many Americans, saying, “We hit the nerve of the country. The country was angry.” His campaign resonated deeply with a large segment of the population, as he offered a bold vision for change. His success, marked by his November victory, stands as a testament to his political resilience and his ability to connect with voters on a visceral level.
A Storied Relationship with Time Magazine
Trump’s relationship with Time Magazine spans several decades. He first appeared on its cover in 1989 and has since been featured many times. In fact, he was named Person of the Year in 2016, after winning the presidency in a historic election. The 2024 recognition marks the second time he’s claimed the prestigious title, which only further solidifies his place in the annals of American political history. Though he’s sometimes boasted about holding a record for most Time cover appearances, his affinity for the magazine is undeniable. At one point, it was reported that Trump even hung a fake Time cover with his face on it at several of his golf clubs.
In fact, earlier this year, Trump sat down for interviews with Time for a feature story published in April. The magazine’s owner, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, publicly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not granting an interview during her campaign, giving Trump a contrast to his own extensive engagement with the media outlet.
A Bold Vision for America’s Future
In his Time interview, Trump didn’t hold back on the topics he was eager to address once he takes office. One of the more controversial issues was his stance on pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump confirmed that he intends to pardon most of those convicted for their actions during the violent insurrection, suggesting that this process could begin “in the first hour, maybe the first nine minutes” of his presidency.
He also talked about his administration's approach to loyalty. Unlike previous administrations, he indicated that he wouldn’t require loyalty pledges from his team, claiming he would be able to judge loyalty through their actions. However, he made it clear that anyone who doesn’t align with his policies would face dismissal.
Trump also addressed global conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Gaza. He indicated that he would work to bring an end to the conflict, noting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu understands his stance. When asked about trust in Netanyahu, Trump responded bluntly: “I don’t trust anybody.” His straightforward approach to diplomacy and foreign relations continues to be a hallmark of his leadership style.
Controversial Stances on Immigration and Military Authority
One of the more controversial aspects of Trump’s vision for the future involves immigration. He reaffirmed his commitment to mass deportations, asserting that he would use the military to support these efforts. This stance, however, is complicated by the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian affairs. Trump, though, remained steadfast, stating, “It doesn’t stop the military if it’s an invasion of our country,” and promising to take the issue to the highest level the law allows.
Trump’s rhetoric on immigration echoes his campaign promises from 2016, where he spoke of securing the borders and taking a hard stance on illegal immigration. While some have criticized these positions as overly harsh, Trump’s supporters view them as necessary for national security and economic stability.
Trump’s Business Legacy and Economic Policies
Trump’s identity as a businessman has always been central to his appeal. From his early days in real estate development to his role as the star of the reality TV show The Apprentice, he cultivated an image of success and wealth. His campaign for president capitalized on this persona, presenting him as a businessman who could fix America’s economic woes and bring prosperity to the middle class.
In a post-bell interview with CNBC, Trump likened the widespread cuts to the federal workforce that he has promised to make to his approach on The Apprentice. "We're going to be doing the same thing, I can tell you. Unfortunately, there's too many of them," Trump remarked, drawing a parallel between firing contestants on his show and trimming down the size of government. His administration, he said, would focus on reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and driving economic growth through deregulation and tax cuts.
A Personal Touch on Wall Street
After ringing the bell, Trump took a stroll around the trading floor, shaking hands with traders and offering a personal touch to the historic event. The NYSE has long been a place where business leaders and celebrities alike have marked the start of the trading day, and Trump’s participation was a significant moment for both the financial community and his supporters.
The day’s events were framed by the projection of Time’s 2024 Person of the Year cover, featuring Trump, alongside the American flags that lined the exchange. For Trump, this moment was not just a ceremonial bell-ringing, but a chance to celebrate his journey—one marked by controversy, resilience, and a legacy of reshaping American politics.
As he steps into the Oval Office, Trump’s influence on the country continues to be undeniable. Whether through his bold political moves or his larger-than-life persona, he remains a figure that captivates and divides, but above all, he commands attention. The opening bell at the NYSE was just another milestone in a presidency that is sure to make history.
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