Families to Claim ‘Trump Accounts’: If you’ve seen the headlines — “Michael and Susan Dell pledge $6.25 billion to Trump Accounts” — you might’ve wondered if this was just another internet hoax. It’s not.
This story is 100% real, verified by AP News, Reuters, and The Guardian, and it could impact millions of American families starting in 2026. In a move that’s making both Wall Street and Main Street buzz, billionaire philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell are backing a federal wealth-building initiative called Trump Accounts. These new investment accounts could give children across the United States a small but meaningful financial start in life.
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Families to Claim ‘Trump Accounts’
This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about what those numbers represent. For decades, families have struggled to break out of the cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck. Trump Accounts, fueled by the Dells’ $6.25 billion gift, could give millions of kids their first taste of ownership — a stake in the nation they inherit. While it won’t solve poverty overnight, it just might spark the biggest financial education movement since the GI Bill. And for many parents, that’s a future worth investing in.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Trump Accounts |
| Legislation Under | U.S. Treasury & Trump Administration (July 2025 Act) |
| Total Private Donation | $6.25 billion pledged by Michael & Susan Dell |
| Federal Contribution | $1,000 per eligible child (born 2025 – 2028) |
| Dell Bonus | $250 per child under 10 in ZIP codes ≤ $150 k median income |
| Potential Beneficiaries | ~25 million children |
| Program Launch | July 4 2026 (planned) |
| Primary Goal | Early wealth-building & financial literacy |
| Official Site | U.S. Department of the Treasury |
What Are “Trump Accounts” and How Do They Work?
Imagine a savings account on steroids — a government-backed investment portfolio designed to grow alongside your child.
That’s the core idea behind Trump Accounts, officially titled the American Child Investment Initiative of 2025.
Under this new program, the U.S. Treasury will automatically open a stock-index investment account for every child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Each account will start with a $1,000 deposit funded by the federal government.
Unlike traditional bank savings, these funds are invested in low-cost index funds that mirror the broader stock market (think S&P 500 or Vanguard Total Market Fund).
Parents, relatives, and even employers can make additional contributions.
The funds can be used for education, buying a home, or starting a business once the child turns 18. Early withdrawals are generally not allowed, keeping the money safe for long-term growth.
Why the Dells Urges Families to Claim ‘Trump Accounts’?
Michael and Susan Dell — known for their education and technology philanthropy through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation — saw an opportunity to supercharge this program.
Their $6.25 billion pledge, announced on Giving Tuesday 2025, extends the program beyond newborns.
It covers children under 10 years old (born after 2015) living in ZIP codes where the median family income is $150,000 or less.
That means if your kid is in elementary school and you live in a middle-class neighborhood, you might qualify for an extra $250 added directly to your child’s future investment account once the program launches in 2026.
Michael Dell called it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to help every family participate in the American Dream of ownership.”
The Bigger Picture: A New Take on Wealth Building
Let’s face it — wealth inequality in America has been widening for decades. According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances (2023), the top 10 percent of households hold nearly 70 percent of all U.S. wealth.
Programs like Trump Accounts aim to plant the seeds of investment early so that every child, regardless of zip code, can benefit from America’s economic growth.
An analysis by the Brookings Institution found that if a $1,000 account earns 7 percent a year — roughly the long-term S&P 500 average — it could grow to about $3,380 by age 18.
Add the Dells’ $250 bonus and small monthly family contributions (say $20 a month), and that balance could hit $10,000 – $12,000.
That’s enough to fund trade school tuition, a down payment, or seed money for a startup — tangible opportunities that can change a life.
The Fine Print and Potential Challenges
It’s not all sunshine and stock charts. Here’s what families need to know:
- ZIP code restrictions: Only families in areas ≤ $150 k median income qualify for the Dell bonus.
- Age limits: The $250 boost only applies to children under 10 as of the launch year (2026).
- Locked funds: No withdrawals until age 18, except for documented hardship cases.
- Market risk: The value can fluctuate with the market, though the Treasury backs the initial deposit.
- Program timeline: Accounts won’t be active until mid-2026.
Critics also note that while this is a solid long-term solution, the same law that created Trump Accounts scaled back some social programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
That means families struggling today might not see immediate relief, even if their kids benefit later.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Families Can Claim ‘Trump Accounts’
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Visit the Census Bureau’s ZIP Code Median Income Lookup to see if your area qualifies.
Make sure your child has a Social Security Number — it’s required for account setup.
Step 2: Create a TreasuryDirect Account
Families will eventually manage Trump Accounts through TreasuryDirect.gov.
You can sign up early and get familiar with the interface used for savings bonds and T-bills.
Step 3: Stay Updated Through Official Channels
Bookmark home.treasury.gov and follow @USTreasury for official launch updates and application links.
Avoid scams — the Treasury will never ask for payment to apply.
Step 4: Plan Your Own Contributions
Even small monthly deposits compound over time. Use calculators at Investor.gov to estimate future growth.
Step 5: Teach Financial Basics Early
Encourage your kids to learn about investing and budgeting. Resources like Jump$tart Coalition and FINRA’s Smart Investing Basics are great starting points.
Real-World Example: The Rivera Family in Texas
Take the Rivera family from San Antonio, TX — two working parents, three kids aged 4, 7, and 9. Their ZIP code has a median income of $88,000, so they qualify.
In 2026, each child will receive $250 from the Dell Fund and potentially $1,000 from the federal program. The Riveras plan to add $15 per month for each kid.
By the time their oldest graduates high school, those accounts could be worth nearly $10,000 each — a solid launchpad for college or trade school.
“It might not sound like a lot now,” says Mrs. Rivera, “but for families like ours, it’s the first time we can say our kids will own something before they turn 18.”
Critics, Economists, and Supporters Weigh In
Economists are split on whether the program will make a dent in wealth inequality.
A Brookings policy paper argues that Trump Accounts “favor families with financial literacy and stability,” potentially leaving out those too strapped to contribute extra money.
On the other hand, The Guardian points out that this initiative could spark “a national conversation about generational wealth and ownership.”
Financial analyst and current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters, “Private philanthropy like the Dells’ is essential. They’re bridging the gap between policy and real-world impact.”
Long-Term Implications for America’s Economy
Experts say that if 25 million families actively participate, Trump Accounts could become the largest child investment program in U.S. history.
That’s not just good for kids — it could boost America’s savings rate and make retirement systems more resilient in the future.
Even better, it might change how young people see money altogether.
Financial educators hope that kids who grow up watching their investments grow will be less fearful of markets and more eager to build wealth responsibly.
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