WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department has committed $1.4 billion in federal seed money to the newly launched Trump Accounts children's investment program, officials disclosed Monday, as enrollment surpassed 6 million children ahead of a ceremonial Oval Office stock market opening.
$1,000 Deposits Hit Accounts
Of the 6 million-plus children registered, 1.4 million are eligible for the $1,000 federal seed deposit, drawn from appropriations in last year's Working Family Tax Cuts legislation. Treasury officials confirmed the funds landed in eligible accounts on launch day. Children born outside the eligibility window of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028 do not qualify for the pilot deposit.
The default investment vehicle for every account is the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF, a low-cost index fund aligning with the administration's push toward broad market exposure for young savers. President Trump has previously estimated a child could accumulate $270,000 by age 18 if a family maximizes annual contributions.
Private Backing and State Interest
The federal outlay is supplemented by a $6.25 billion private pledge from Michael and Susan Dell, which will provide $250 seed accounts for roughly 25 million children aged 10 and under in ZIP codes with median incomes below $150,000. Treasury is running billboard campaigns and pursuing brand partnerships to drive enrollment in communities the federal pilot does not reach.
Up to 20 states are currently examining mechanisms to fund accounts independently, and Treasury is encouraging employer contribution matches. Michael Dell's appearance at the White House ceremony drew attention after President Trump's remarks — "Go out and buy a Dell computer" — were followed by a more than 7% intraday jump in Dell Technologies shares, raising questions about the intersection of policy promotion and corporate equity.