WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump joked Monday that he planned to keep the New York Stock Exchange’s ceremonial opening bell for display in his new White House ballroom, prompting criticism from opponents and renewed attention to the administration’s ongoing renovation projects.
Trump became the first president to ring the NYSE opening bell remotely from the Oval Office during an event marking the launch of the administration’s new “Trump Accounts” investment program for eligible children.
After ringing the bell, Trump quipped, “I’m not giving it back,” before later repeating the remark during a White House luncheon.
‘They’ll Have To Fight Like Hell’
Speaking to guests in the Rose Garden, Trump again pointed to the bell and joked about making it part of the White House.
“There’s the bell right there. It’s so beautiful, I’m not giving it back. I don’t know if it’s supposed to go back, but they’re gonna have to fight like hell to get it back,” Trump said.
It was not immediately clear whether the president was speaking entirely in jest, and there has been no indication that the NYSE bell will remain at the White House.
Latest In Series Of Similar Jokes
The remark follows several similar episodes in recent months.
Last month, Olympic speed skating champion Jordan Stolz placed one of his gold medals around Trump’s neck during an event in Wisconsin. Trump joked that he was “keeping it” before returning the medal.
He made a similar quip after FIFA President Gianni Infantino brought the FIFA World Cup trophy to the White House ahead of next year’s tournament, later saying FIFA had permitted the trophy to remain on display.
Ballroom Project Draws Renewed Attention
Trump’s latest comments also focused attention on the White House ballroom project, one of the administration’s most ambitious renovation efforts.
The ballroom, originally projected to cost about $200 million, has since grown substantially in scope. Recent reports indicate estimated costs have risen to roughly $600 million, though the administration disputes claims that taxpayers will bear a significant portion of the expense.
The White House has said the ballroom will provide a secure venue for large state functions and official events.
Critics Question Costs
Democrats and preservation groups have continued criticizing the project, arguing the administration understated its expected cost and failed to adequately explain how construction will ultimately be financed.
The White House has maintained that private donors are funding much of the project and has defended the renovation as a long-overdue modernization of the executive mansion.
Whether Trump’s comments about the NYSE bell were serious or simply another off-the-cuff joke, they quickly became the latest flashpoint in the broader debate surrounding the president’s efforts to reshape the White House during his second term.
Or place in future NYSE Museum since TSE will run Economy