Michael Dell to donate $250 each to 25 million U.S. children for “Trump accounts”
Michael and Susan Dell announced on Tuesday their plan to donate $250 to 25 million American children through so-called “Trump accounts,” totaling a $6.25 billion investment. The Dells emphasized that this initiative is aimed at kickstarting the futures of these children.
The donations will be allocated to children aged 10 and under who were born prior to the qualifying date of the Trump accounts, established earlier this year as part of the Republicans’ tax and spending bill. These accounts are intended to provide $1,000 to infants born during President Trump’s second term in office.
The Dells stated, “Children over 10 may also benefit if funds are available after the initial sign-ups. This is a practical and direct way to assist families in starting to save for the future.” Michael Dell, ranked as the world’s 11th richest person with a net worth of $148 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, expressed that they were inspired by the Invest America program, which is the formal name of the Trump accounts. The Dells are urging others to participate by contributing to the accounts, including philanthropists, businesses, and the families and friends of the children. They added, “What inspired us the most was the opportunity to extend this benefit to even more children.”
Understanding “Trump Accounts”
The Invest America program outlines that every child born in the U.S. between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2029, with a Social Security number and parents with Social Security numbers, will be automatically enrolled in the program. Enrollment is scheduled to begin on July 4, 2026, requiring parents and caregivers to activate the accounts. The Department of Treasury will initially fund the accounts with $1,000 per child, with the option for additional contributions of up to $5,000 per year from parents, friends, and others.
The accounts will be inaccessible until the child reaches 18 years old, at which point the funds can be utilized for qualified expenses such as education, homeownership (including a down payment on a first home), or entrepreneurship to start a business. Upon turning 18, the child may choose to retain the funds in the account for further investment.
Details of the Dells’ Contributions
The $250 contributions by the Dells will also be channeled through Invest America accounts, as outlined in a fact sheet regarding their plan. The $250 will be allocated to accounts of children under 10 years old who were born before 2025 and are thus ineligible for the original Trump accounts. Those who qualify for the $1,000 under the initial Invest America plan are not eligible for the Dells’ $250 investment.
“Younger children will be given priority if demand exceeds the available funds,” the Dells specified. “Any remaining funds may extend eligibility to older children.” The accounts will adhere to the same guidelines as the $1,000 accounts, with the investments locked until the child reaches 18 years old, at which point they can utilize the funds for qualified expenses like education or home purchase.
Upon reaching 18, the accounts will automatically convert to a traditional IRA, enabling unused funds to continue growing.
