U.S. President Donald Trump marked the opening of trading at the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq on Monday from the Oval Office, an event underscoring his effort to link his administration’s performance with the stock market’s trajectory. The symbolic bell-ringing coincided with the launch of a new investment initiative aimed at increasing stock market participation among younger Americans.
The initiative, called Trump Accounts, was introduced as part of the Republican-led 2025 tax and spending cuts legislation. It is designed to provide children with investments in stock indexes, addressing concerns that a significant portion of the American population remains disconnected from equity markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted that about 38 percent of American families have no direct exposure to stocks, suggesting that benefits from market gains tend to accrue disproportionately to wealthier households or primarily benefit people far into the future through retirement accounts.
The president expressed optimism about market prospects, stating, “It’s going to go up – I think the market’s going to go through the roof,” shortly before the opening bell sounded. However, Mr. Trump faces challenges in rallying public approval despite a generally strong market. According to a June survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 33 percent of U.S. adults approve of his economic leadership.
The concerns come amid rising inflation, a factor that has similarly eroded public support for the previous administration of Democrat Joe Biden. Mr. Trump, who was elected in 2024 on promises to reduce costs of living, has contended with inflationary pressures exacerbated by tariffs and geopolitical tensions, including the onset of conflict in Iran. Over the past 12 months, the Consumer Price Index increased by 4.2 percent, up from 3 percent at the start of Mr. Trump’s second term in January 2025.
Stock market performance has been strong in recent years, with the S&P 500 index gaining 25 percent in 2024 and 26.3 percent in 2023 under the Biden administration. The index rose 17.9 percent in 2025 and has increased around 10 percent so far in 2026. Despite these gains, many Americans have not directly reaped the benefits through investment exposure.
The Trump Accounts initiative has received notable support from prominent business figures. Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, and his wife, Susan, appeared with Mr. Trump to pledge a $6.25 billion contribution to the program. In addition, billionaire investor Ray Dalio and SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell have committed stock donations, with Shotwell announcing plans to donate shares in the Elon Musk-led company. Mr. Trump acknowledged the delay in launching the accounts may have limited earlier youth participation in the market’s recent upside, commenting, “We should have acted faster.”
As the November midterm elections approach, the administration is placing emphasis on stock market gains and expanded access to investments as a cornerstone of its economic messaging, seeking to broaden the base of supporters through financial inclusion initiatives targeted at younger Americans.