In a symbolic gesture, President-elect Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. The ceremony, which took place at 9:30 a.m. ET, marked the official start of trading on Wall Street. Trump’s appearance at the NYSE was seen as a celebratory moment for the president-elect, who has been a vocal supporter of the American business community.
The event came a day after Trump was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, an honor that recognizes the individual who has most influenced the news and the world during the past year. Trump, who was a businessman and reality TV star before his successful presidential campaign, has been a polarizing figure in American politics.
Trump’s appearance at the NYSE was met with a mixture of applause and protests. A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the exchange, holding signs that read “Not My President” and ” Resist Trump.” However, inside the exchange, Trump was greeted with cheers and applause from traders and NYSE officials.
NYSE President Thomas Farley presented Trump with a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. Trump, who was accompanied by his wife Melania and several aides, smiled and waved to the crowd as he rang the opening bell.
The ceremony was seen as a nod to Trump’s business background and his pledge to boost economic growth and create jobs. Trump has promised to reduce regulations and lower taxes to stimulate business investment and hiring.
Trump’s appearance at the NYSE was also seen as a way to reassure investors and calm market nerves. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has surged since Trump’s election victory, with investors betting on a pro-business agenda.
However, Trump’s presidency has also raised concerns about trade protectionism and the potential for market volatility. Trump has vowed to renegotiate trade deals and impose tariffs on countries that he believes are taking advantage of the United States.
The NYSE is one of the world’s largest and most influential stock exchanges, with a total market capitalization of over $20 trillion. The exchange is home to some of the world’s biggest companies, including Apple, Microsoft, and Johnson & Johnson.
Trump’s appearance at the NYSE marked a rare moment of pomp and circumstance for the president-elect, who has been busy assembling his transition team and preparing for his inauguration on January 20.
As Trump rang the opening bell, he was surrounded by NYSE officials, including Farley and exchange Chairman Jeffrey Sprecher. Trump also met with several business leaders, including billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who has been advising Trump on economic policy.
The event was streamed live on the NYSE website and was watched by millions of people around the world. Trump’s appearance at the NYSE was seen as a way to promote American business and reinforce his commitment to economic growth.
However, not everyone was pleased with Trump’s appearance at the NYSE. Some critics argued that the event was a distraction from more pressing issues, such as Trump’s conflicts of interest and his policy agenda.
Trump’s transition team has been working to address concerns about the president-elect’s business empire and potential conflicts of interest. Trump has promised to step aside from his business operations and transfer control to his children.
As Trump prepares to take office, he faces a daunting set of challenges, including a sluggish economy, a divided country, and a complex web of global conflicts. However, his appearance at the NYSE marked a rare moment of celebration and optimism for the president-elect.
