Melania Trump reveals 'the world's biggest untapped economic force' to kick off landmark NYSE summit

First lady Melania Trump told an audience at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday that women represent an untapped economic force larger than any new market, technology or natural resource, framing female ownership and leadership as central to future growth. She was speaking at IMPERIA, described as the exchange's first invite-only global summit built exclusively for female CEOs and executives, and she rang the NYSE's opening bell as part of the event alongside Lynn Martin, president of NYSE Group, according to Fox News.

Trump argued that women function as the foundation and infrastructure of the global economy rather than simply participating in it, saying "we are its foundation and we are its infrastructure." She said the modern economy would not function as it does if women were removed as consumers, investors, leaders, caregivers, innovators and household financial managers, and that losing women from the workforce would strip the economy of doctors, engineers, bankers, lawyers and countless other professionals.

She further said that eliminating women from unpaid caregiving, childcare, home schooling and elder care would collapse the support system that allows others to hold paying jobs. Turning to markets themselves, she said women's exit from capital formation would drain the ranks of major financial players and those safeguarding wealth across generations. She closed by urging attendees, particularly the women present, to invest more in women.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →