Dells pledge $6.25 billion to expand ‘Trump accounts’

Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion on Tuesday to provide an incentive for 25 million American children ages 10 and under to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Trump's tax and spending legislation.

- BY THALIA BEATY

The historic gift has little precedent, with few single charitable commitments in the last 25 years exceeding $1 billion. Announced on Giving Tuesday, it is, the Dells believe, the largest single private commitment ever made to U.S. children.

Its structure is also unusual. Essentially, it builds on the “Trump accounts” program, under which the U.S. Department of the Treasury will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts it sets up for American children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. The Dells’ gift will use the Trump accounts infrastructure to give $250 to each qualified child under 1.

“We believe that if every child can see a future worth saving for, this program will build something far greater than an account. It will build hope and opportunity and prosperity for generations to come,” said Michael Dell, the founder and chief executive of Dell Technologies, whose estimated net worth is $148 billion, according to Forbes.

Though the Trump accounts became law as part of the president’s signature legislation in July, the Dells say the accounts will not launch until July 4, 2026. Michael Dell said they wanted to mark 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 told the Associated Press.