The US president takes credit for stock market gains and even for improving marital relationships
US President Donald Trump has found an unusual way to assess the performance of financial markets. According to him, the increase in retirement savings has also affected relationships between couples, restoring love between spouses. During an election rally on October 29 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Trump said that some women have told him that they have started to love their spouses again after seeing their savings increase.
“I’ve had women tell me they love their husbands again. ‘My husband is a great investor. His savings have increased by 67%.’ I did that!” Trump declared to the audience.
The president’s statement was aimed at assessing the stock market’s performance during his administration ahead of the midterm elections in November. He urged Americans to check their retirement accounts, claiming that the stock market had hit 88 new records since his election.
HOW MUCH HAVE AMERICANS’ SAVINGS REALLY GROWED?
Data shows that 401(k) retirement accounts have been on the rise. According to a recent analysis by Fidelity Investments, in the second quarter of 2026, the average value of these accounts reached $155,800. That’s 13% more than in the same period last year. Meanwhile, in the past ten years, savings have increased by 75%.
The stock market has also performed well. As of October 29, the S&P 500 index had risen 12.8% since the start of 2026. However, these figures do not only reflect investment gains. Retirement accounts also grow from contributions that employees and employers make regularly.
What’s more, the average doesn’t necessarily reflect the situation of most Americans. According to a 2026 report from Vanguard, half of the company’s retirement plan members had less than $44,115 in their accounts at the end of 2025. This suggests that accounts with very high amounts are pushing up the average.
CAN TRUMP ATTRIBUTE THIS INCREASE TO HIMSELF?
The Trump administration has taken several initiatives to encourage investment. In August 2025, the president signed an executive order aimed at giving 401(k) plans more opportunities to invest in private companies, real estate, and cryptocurrency-related assets.
The 2025 fiscal law also provided tax incentives to encourage investment and business development.
However, these measures do not guarantee increased earnings, and there is no clear evidence that they have caused the recent surge in retirement savings. The outcome depends largely on how each person invests their money. Those with more equity investments may benefit more, while those nearing retirement often choose safer alternatives.
Meanwhile, the rise of the financial market does not mean that Americans are feeling richer on a daily basis. On October 29, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. reached $4.22, adding to the pressure on household budgets. And as for the connection between money and relationships, an October 2026 survey by the CFP Board found that 65% of married or cohabiting Americans consider money to be a major source of stress in their relationship.
More than half of respondents said they couldn’t fully love someone if they didn’t trust their money management skills. So, while having more savings can bring more financial security and reduce tension in a relationship, it doesn’t guarantee a happy marriage.
This remains more than a matter of money…