Jewish billionaires Michael and Susan Dell this week announced a $6.25 billion donation to help 25 million American children open “Trump Accounts” established under U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tax and spending legislation. The historic commitment, unveiled on GivingTuesday, is believed to be the largest single private donation ever made to benefit American children.
The initiative builds on the federal program, in which the U.S. Treasury will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts for children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. The Dells’ contribution will add $250 to each qualified child under age 11, using the program’s infrastructure to reach families who may otherwise not participate.
“We believe that if every child can see a future worth saving for, this program will build something far greater than an account,” Michael Dell said. “It will build hope and opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.”
Dell, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $148 billion, said the couple intentionally timed the rollout to July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. “We want these kids to know that not only do their families care, but their communities care, their government, their country cares about them,” Susan Dell said.
Under federal law, Trump Accounts are available to any American child under 18 with a Social Security number. Funds must be invested in a broad stock-market index fund, and withdrawals at age 18 can be used for education, home purchases or starting a business.
The Dells’ contribution will specifically target children 10 and under living in ZIP codes with a median family income of $150,000 or less, focusing on communities where uptake and supplemental deposits are expected to lag. Federal law allows private donors to direct contributions geographically, enabling the Dells to reach families they believe will “benefit most.”
The couple hopes the gift will prompt parents to engage with the accounts early and add even small contributions over time, leveraging long-term market growth.
Politically, the program’s launch aligns with the 2026 midterm elections, offering Republicans a significant talking point as millions of families receive funds. The Treasury’s $1,000 deposits sunset shortly after the 2028 presidential race.
At the White House, Trump praised the Dells’ announcement, calling it “truly one of the most generous acts in the history of our country.” Trump said many companies and many of his friends would also be donating, adding, “I’ll be doing it, too.”
