Michael and Susan Dell Donate $6.25 Billion to Jump-Start ‘Trump Accounts’ for Millions of U.S. Children
In one of the largest philanthropic gifts in American history, Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion donation to help fund “Trump Accounts,” a new national investment-savings program created under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The program, set to launch in 2026, establishes long-term investment accounts for American children — a policy aimed at giving the next generation a financial foundation as they enter adulthood.
$6.25 Billion to Support 25 Million Children
The Treasury Department will automatically deposit $1,000 into the account of every eligible child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.
But millions of children born before the cutoff would have missed out — until the Dells stepped in.
Their donation will fund $250 deposits for at least 25 million children aged 10 and under, widening the program far beyond the government’s initial scope.
“We’re excited to impact millions of children’s futures and create opportunity, hope and prosperity for them,”
— Michael Dell, speaking to CNN.
What Are ‘Trump Accounts’?
“Trump Accounts” are tax-deferred investment accounts designed to help children accumulate long-term savings. Funds will be invested in S&P 500-tracked mutual funds or other diversified index funds.
Key features include:
- Parents/guardians file Form 4547 with the IRS to establish an account
- Accounts open formally in mid-2026
- Private contributions allowed up to $5,000/year
- Employers can contribute up to $2,500
- Funds locked until the child turns 18
Once unlocked, the account will operate like a traditional IRA, allowing withdrawals for education expenses, a first-home down payment, or starting a business.
A Historic Private Investment in America’s Youth
According to the nonprofit Invest America, which has been advocating for the program, the Dells’ gift is one of the largest direct private investments in American children ever recorded.
Susan Dell said the scale of impact is what inspired them:
“Investing in children is investing in all of our futures. We couldn’t be more excited about this program.”
Why the Dells Made the Donation
The idea originated with Brad Gerstner, CEO of Altimeter Capital, who created Invest America in 2021.
Michael Dell became an early supporter and had attempted to advance the proposal with the Biden administration — but action didn’t materialize until Trump revived the idea in 2024.
After Dell personally discussed the concept with the president this year, momentum accelerated.
“The smartest investment we can make is in children,” Dell told CNN.
“And we expect more major gifts from other philanthropists soon.”
Who Will Receive the Dells’ Funding?
The $250 deposits will target children living in ZIP codes where median household income is under $150,000. Invest America estimates that the gift will reach three-quarters of all ZIP codes in the country.
A Future Worth Saving For
Susan Dell said the goal is not just financial support — but inspiration:
“If every child sees there is a future worth saving for, then we will have helped build hope and opportunity for generations to come.”