Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, rang the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Monday as part of the kickoff for the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The State Department shared images of the moment on its official X account and highlighted Rubio's participation in the ceremony. After ringing the bell, the Secretary of State performed the "Gator Chomp" gesture — the iconic sign of University of Florida fans that mimics the jaws of an alligator — in front of those present on the NYSE trading floor.
Rubio took the opportunity to highlight the economic agenda of the Trump administration, with an emphasis on workers, American businesses, trade agreements, and supply chain security.
"It is an honor to ring the opening bell of the NYSE. Under President Trump, we are putting American workers and businesses first: forging trade deals, securing supply chains, and unleashing our economy. This is how we deliver real prosperity to every American," he wrote on his X account.
The State Department also released a video of the ceremony, describing the event as the official kickoff of the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Rubio will remain in the city to accompany President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to speak this Tuesday at the General Assembly.
The meeting aims to "advance an agenda of peace, prosperity, and the primacy of nations." The State Department announced that Rubio will advocate for the UN to return to its central mandate of maintaining international peace and security while respecting national sovereignty.
The 81st General Assembly began its sessions on September 8. The general debate of world leaders officially starts this Tuesday, when heads of state and government will present their foreign policy positions.
The tradition of the opening bell at the NYSE dates back to 1903, when the exchange moved to its current location at 11 Wall Street. The honor of ringing it is typically given to listed companies, executives, and distinguished personalities as a platform for public visibility.
Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants who left the island in 1956, is one of the most prominent Cuban American figures in Washington politics.
In the midst of a day dominated by Wall Street and the diplomatic agenda of the UN General Assembly, the Secretary of State took a moment to celebrate in front of the cameras the successful sports season of his alma mater and the team where his son plays.
The nod to the Florida Gators, with the traditional "Gator Chomp" gesture, came just two days after the University of Florida's football team defeated Auburn 44-39 and climbed to the 21st spot in the national rankings.
That gesture also had a personal component. Rubio graduated from the University of Florida in 1993, and his son, Anthony Rubio, is currently part of the Gators as a running back.
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