Donald Trump hailed a gift from Michael and Susan Dell to jumpstart investment accounts for American children, expanding a signature initiative from the president's tax law that has drawn support from corporate and financial leaders.
The program will give "middle-class families a stake in American prosperity, a benefit from the rising stock market, and a better shot at the American Dream," Trump said at a White House event to tout the donation, where he was joined by the founder and chief executive officer of Dell Technologies Inc. and his wife. "This is truly one of the most generous acts in the history of our country."
The $6.25 billion philanthropic gift from the Dells will give 25 million children $250 each for an investment account, expanding on the Invest America initiative created earlier this year. Under that program, dubbed "Trump accounts," the government will offer $1,000 for each child born between 2025 and 2028.
The Dells' gift will go to the U.S. Treasury Department and fund accounts for additional minors aged 10 and under who are not already eligible for the government money. The funding will be available to the first 25 million who sign up from ZIP codes with median household incomes below $150,000. Dell expects to reach 80% of U.S. children in that age range.
"We believe that if every child can see a future that's worth saving for, we're going to build something far greater than an account," Dell said in an interview. "We will build hope and opportunity and prosperity for generations to come."
Trump has credited Dell — the world's 11th-richest person with a $148 billion fortune, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index — with bringing him the idea for the investment accounts. Dell attended a roundtable in June alongside other CEOs, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s David Solomon and Uber Technologies Inc.'s Dara Khosrowshahi, to discuss the initiative.
Dell said they originally planned to just give the donation to families from Texas before deciding to broaden eligibility.
Dell has also previously said his company would match the government's $1,000 contribution for the children of employees.
Under the government program, which begins on July 4, 2026, any parent can open an account for their child and contribute up to $5,000 a year. Employers can pitch in $2,500 annually without affecting workers' taxable income. Additional gifts from philanthropists like Dell or governments don't count against the limit.
"Trump accounts should grow to be worth many thousands of dollars by the time the child is 18, and even more by the time they are 20 or even 30 years old," the president said.
The money will be invested in diversified, low-cost index funds and won't be accessible until the child turns 18, at which point it can be withdrawn for expenses such as a college education, home deposit or startup costs. Assets in Trump accounts are allowed to grow tax-free, though recipients must pay taxes on their gains when the money is withdrawn.
