President Trump says he expects more philanthropists to put money in the pot. But how does the program work, and what does it mean for your children?
The largest single philanthropic gift in recent U.S. history—a cool $6.25 billion—has put President Donald Trump’s new government-backed Invest America accounts for children in the spotlight.
Under the program, commonly known as “Trump Accounts,” the government will provide $1,000 in seed funding for children born within a four-year period.
Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have now supersized the Trump administration’s offer, pledging $250 each for a further 25 million children born before the cut-off period.
For parents wondering when the whole program begins, the date is easy to remember: July 4, 2026. The 250th anniversary of American Independence.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the Trump Accounts, the value they might accumulate, how other philanthropists could throw more money in the pot—and how to claim.
1. Who Qualifies?
Trump’s Invest America program gives every child under 18 with a Social Security number access to a federally overseen savings and investment account that families can activate beginning July 4, 2026.
Trump accounts will be available at TrumpAccounts.gov. These accounts will be created for U.S. citizens only, and parents will not be required to set up the account prior to the child’s birth.
The Dells’ gift means that accounts seeded with $250 will also become available to 25 million children aged 10 and under in ZIP codes where their median income is $150,000 or less.
According to guidance released by the IRS, contributions to Trump Accounts cannot be made before July 4, 2026.
Parents who want to take advantage of the Dell family program should visit trumpaccounts.gov to ensure they complete the necessary steps to sign up eligible children aged 10 and under.
The accounts are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
| 1. Who Qualifies? |
| 2. How Do The Accounts Work? |
| 3. When Can Withdrawals, Contributions Be Made? |
| 4. What Is the Dells’ Seed Donation? |
| 5. Investing in the Future |
| 6. Signals of Big Donors Ahead |
2. How Do The Accounts Work?
Children born on or after Jan. 1, 2025, will automatically receive a $1,000 Treasury deposit at birth, while families and community members may contribute up to $5,000 total per year. Employers may contribute up to $2,500 annually to an employee’s child, and philanthropic or government contributions are uncapped.
When the children turn 18, they can withdraw the funds for “qualified purposes,” such as paying tuition, buying a home, or starting a business.
Families who sign up for the Trump Accounts will answer questions about eligibility and investments, after which the account will be available for deposits from donors and the child’s family members.
After reaching adulthood, the money will automatically convert to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), and the funds can keep growing.
Money withdrawn for non-qualifying purposes will be taxed as ordinary income. According to economists at the Milken Institute, the $1,000 newborn seed deposit could grow into more than $8,000 after 20 years, assuming historical average returns.
