Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Business
Guardian staff and agencies

What is a sovereign wealth fund and why is Trump creating one now?

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office directing the treasury and commerce secretaries to take steps toward creating a sovereign wealth fund for the United States.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office directing the treasury and commerce secretaries to take steps toward creating a sovereign wealth fund for the United States. Photograph: Chris Kleponis/UPI/REX/Shutterstock

Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the US treasury and commerce departments to create a sovereign wealth fund. Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, and Howard Lutnick, the nominee for commerce secretary, will lead the effort.

“We have tremendous potential,” Trump said while signing the order from the Oval Office on Monday. “I think in a short period of time, we’d have one of the biggest funds.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.