US government launches Trump Accounts program offering $1,000 investments for children

The US government officially launched the Trump Accounts program on July 4, 2026, the day of the nation's 250th Independence Day anniversary, offering $1,000 seed investments for children born between 2025 and 2028 during former President Donald Trump's second term. Donald Trump said, "After a truly historic weekend celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, today we're thrilled to officially launch the Trump Accounts," adding, "Think of it, children that are born without money, without any money ... They can become very wealthy children at 18." ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}

Parents, family members, employers, and charities can contribute up to $5,000 annually to each account. Employers may contribute up to $2,500 per worker per year, counting toward this limit. The accounts are controlled by parents or guardians until the child turns 18, at which point the child gains control and can use funds for education, home purchase, or starting a business. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 7]}

Investments are made in funds tracking major Wall Street indices such as the S&P 500. The initial portfolio manager is State Street, with BlackRock and Vanguard options expected later. The Treasury Department oversees the program, with app services provided by Robinhood and Bank of New York Mellon. ^{[1, 7]}

By early July 2026, about 5.5 million Trump Accounts had been opened, including 1.4 million eligible newborns who qualified for the $1,000 government seed money. Around 86% of these accounts were opened by families earning less than $200,000 annually. ^{[3, 4, 5, 6, 8]}

Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have pledged $6.25 billion to fund $250 grants for 25 million low-income children joining the program. Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology, pledged $250 million in support. Trump announced Mehrotra’s contribution on social media on July 1, days before launch. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]}

Experts see the accounts as a way to promote early investing and financial literacy. Andy Blocker of Edward Jones said, "The US$1,000 federal contribution at birth helps remove the barrier of having nothing to start with, which has historically been one of the biggest obstacles to saving." Adam Bergman of IRA Financial called it "a very powerful tool" for opening people’s eyes to savings. ^{[2, 8, 7]}

Families face no cost to open the accounts but are advised to watch for scams. Some families plan to continue using other savings tools like 529 college plans. Parent Will Matthews said, "If it's free money, we'll take it," but added, "These accounts don't have that many crazy tax advantages for me to be gung-ho on putting all my eggs in this basket." ^{[2, 8, 7]}

Children born before 2025 can open Trump Accounts but do not qualify for the government seed money. Funds cannot be accessed until the child turns 18 and must be used for specified purposes such as education or home mortgages. ^{[3, 4, 5, 6, 8]}

The program arrives amid rising living costs and inflation concerns in the US. ^{[1, 3, 4, 5, 6]}