Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent spoke at a press conference on December 17, 2025, to outline the details and goals of the new Trump Accounts initiative. According to Bessent, the program is designed to provide every American newborn with a financial stake in the country’s economy.
“An entire generation of Americans is about to learn, in the most life-changing way possible, how even small early contributions can become generational wealth. And it’s all thanks to President Trump,” said Bessent. He described Trump Accounts as “the President’s gift to the American people,” emphasizing their goal: “Every American a shareholder.”
Bessent explained that these accounts are not government programs but platforms for individual ownership starting from birth. “By giving each newborn citizen a material stake in the American Dream through Trump Accounts, President Trump is minting future investors on every rung of the economic ladder,” he stated.
The Secretary highlighted that 38% of American adults currently do not own stocks. He expressed hope that over time, Trump Accounts could reduce this number significantly by providing access to investment opportunities from an early age.
Trump Accounts will be funded in four ways: an initial $1,000 seed contribution from the federal government; additional donations from parents, friends, and employers; philanthropic gifts; and potential contributions from state governments.
Eligible children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, will receive a $1,000 contribution from the Treasury Department invested in an index fund. Families can claim this investment by checking a box on Form 4547 during tax filing. Bessent noted that if historical growth rates continue for investments like those in the S&P 500 since the 1950s (10.5% annually), a single $1,000 deposit could grow to nearly $674,000 by retirement age.
Parents and others will be able to contribute up to $5,000 per year into each account beginning July 4th—America’s 250th anniversary—with projections suggesting these accounts could reach more than $1 million by age 28 if maximum contributions are made annually.
Philanthropy also plays a role in funding. Michael and Susan Dell have pledged $6.25 billion for children under ten years old nationwide—a commitment Bessent called “the largest single private commitment to U.S. children in our nation’s history.” This provides an extra $250 per child for qualifying accounts.
Bessent announced investor Ray Dalio as another major donor through what Treasury calls “The 50 State Challenge,” which seeks participation from philanthropists across all states.
State governments may also contribute or tie top-ups of accounts to achievements such as completion of financial literacy courses. Twenty states are considering participation at present.
Bessent concluded his remarks stating: “Trump Accounts will not only restore the American Dream for the next generation; they will also make it more accessible than ever before.”
