Trump rings NYSE, Nasdaq opening bells from Oval Office to mark Trump Accounts launch

President Donald Trump formally launched Trump Accounts on July 6 by ringing the opening bells of the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the Oval Office, marking the start of a federal savings program that provides eligible American children with investment accounts.

The ceremony came two days after the Treasury Department announced the Trump Accounts app had reached full nationwide functionality, allowing parents to view balances, make contributions, link bank accounts, and access financial education materials from a phone or tablet.

"With the ringing of the opening bell for the stock market, [Trump Accounts] will now begin to grow right along with our booming economy," Trump said. "Between individual contributions and the seed funds, $800 million in new capital will be invested in the stock market for America's children this week."

Created under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Trump Accounts are free to open for U.S. citizens younger than 18. Children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, receive an automatic $1,000 federal seed investment, according to the White House.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the program is intended to expand stock ownership among American families.

"Thirty-eight percent of American families do not have any exposure to our great equity markets, but with Trump Accounts, over time, we can get that number to zero," Bessent said.

The White House said more than 6 million Trump Accounts have been requested, with 86% coming from families earning less than $200,000 annually. 

Bessent said more than 50 companies have committed to contributing to employees' children's accounts. At the launch event, Michael Dell encouraged additional employers to participate.

"Today, every newborn American child will start their life with $1,000 invested in America's greatest companies, compounding for the future," Dell said. "To every business leader out there who hasn't already joined us, please join us."

Also participating in the ceremony were Adena Friedman, president and CEO of Nasdaq, Lynn Martin, president of the NYSE group, Jeffrey Sprecher, chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, and Brad Gerstner, an investor and founder of Altimeter Capital. 

The app includes 15 interactive financial education modules on topics including saving, investing, compound growth, diversification, and U.S. capital markets. Children enrolled in the program were able to begin tracking their investments on July 6.