Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have donated $6.25 billion to fund a new savings initiative for American children called “Trump Accounts.” The announcement came at the White House, highlighting the program as a way to give millions of children and middle-class families a stake in the stock market and a stronger start toward financial independence.
Trump Accounts were created as part of President Trump’s tax and spending legislation passed earlier this year. The accounts provide a $1,000 deposit from the Treasury Department for every child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Funds can be used when children turn 18 to pay for college, buy a home, or start a business. Accounts must be invested in an index fund tracking the stock market, giving young Americans exposure to long-term financial growth.
The Dell family’s donation marks the largest single private commitment to U.S. children to date. Michael and Susan Dell are contributing $6.25 billion to benefit 25 million children aged 10 and under. Each child in qualifying households will receive $250 in a personal savings account.
The Dell donation is targeted at children who live in areas where the median household income is $150,000 or less and who are not eligible for the federal newborn accounts. The initiative aims to provide financial support to children who might otherwise miss out on early savings opportunities.
“We all understand the incredible impact that a gift like this can have on the lives of young Americans,” said a White House representative. “When children can see a future worth saving for, it builds hope, opportunity, and prosperity.”
Trump Accounts are intended to give children a tangible stake in the American economy and teach financial literacy from an early age. Families can watch the value of their child’s account grow over time as investments increase in line with the stock market. By the time the child reaches adulthood, the funds can provide a significant boost to education, entrepreneurship, or homeownership.
While the program has been widely praised, logistical questions remain. Officials are still finalizing how children will be registered and how funds will be managed, especially for families with multiple children or those who move between states.
According to Invest America, signups for Trump Accounts are expected to open next summer. Families will likely need to provide basic identification and proof of age for their children to qualify for the federal deposit. The Dell donation will be automatically applied to qualifying accounts for children who live in eligible areas.
Financial analysts say the program could encourage millions of families to begin saving early and develop long-term financial habits. They also note that investing in an index fund provides broad exposure to the market while limiting risk compared to individual stock picks.
Critics have raised concerns about how the accounts will be monitored and whether families will fully understand the investment risks. However, supporters argue that even modest early savings can have a meaningful impact on a child’s future opportunities.
Michael and Susan Dell have a long history of philanthropy focused on education and technology. This initiative continues that tradition by combining financial empowerment with broad access to the stock market. By contributing directly to children in middle-class and lower-income households, the Dells aim to create a foundation for future prosperity across a wide segment of the population.
The program also highlights a broader trend of public-private partnerships in supporting children’s financial futures. Combining federal deposits with private donations allows for more children to participate and benefit from early investments in education and wealth-building.
Overall, Trump Accounts and the Dell donation are designed to give children and families a head start on financial independence, reinforcing the idea that early savings and investment can be an important tool for long-term economic stability. Families interested in participating should watch for registration details expected to launch next year.
