Michael and Susan Dell pledge historic $6.25B to seed ‘Trump accounts’ for kids

Michael and Susan Dell on Tuesday pledged to donate a historic $6.25 billion toward funding so-called “Trump accounts” for 25 million American children. 

It is estimated to be the largest single donation ever made to US children, according to Invest America, a nonprofit partnered with the Dells that is helping the US Treasury launch the investment accounts.

A new program approved as part of President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” will allow parents to open tax-advantaged investment accounts for kids under 18 with Social Security numbers.

For US citizens born from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2028, the US Treasury will seed these accounts with a federal grant of $1,000.

The Dells will seed additional accounts for most children aged 10 and under who were born before 2025 with grants of $250 each. 

Children older than 10 may receive grants, as well, if leftover funding is available.

The donation is expected to cover 25 million American kids in ZIP codes with a median income of less than $150,000.

“What inspired us most was the chance to expand this opportunity to even more children,” the Dells said in a statement on Giving Tuesday, the annual day of charitable giving.

“If there’s one investment that never stops growing, it’s investing in children. They are our future.”

Michael Dell founded Dell Technologies as a 19-year-old freshman student at the University of Texas. He has a $148.5 billion net worth, according to Forbes.

The Trump accounts have not yet been launched. Parents will be able to open accounts and start contributing to them as of July 4, 2026.

Brad Gerstner, a venture capitalist and founder of Invest America, said the goal of the accounts is to give kids a headstart by allowing them to benefit from growth in the stock market.

Trump accounts can only be used to invest in low-cost diversified funds that track a US stock index.

The Dells said they are hoping their contribution will encourage families to open accounts for their children and seed them with more money. 

Parents only have to open an account to automatically receive the $250 gift.

The GOP’s tax-and-spending bill also makes it easier for major corporations, employers and philanthropists to contribute to the investment accounts on a large scale.

Dell Technologies, for example, has pledged to match the US Treasury’s $1,000 grants for newborn children of US employees.

Trump accounts do not have the same tax advantages as 529 accounts or Roth IRAs, however.

Withdrawals from the accounts are not permitted until the child turns 18. The assets will then be rolled into an IRA, and withdrawals will be taxed.