A Big Boost for Young Americans: The Dell's $6. 25 Billion Gift

In a move that could reshape the financial future of millions of American kids, Michael and Susan Dell have made a massive donation. They're giving $6. 25 billion to help set up investment accounts for children under 10. This isn't just any donation—it's one of the largest private commitments ever made to U. S. children. The idea is to encourage families to save for their kids' futures. The Dells are building on a government program called "Trump Accounts. " This program gives $1, 000 to children born between 2025 and 2028. The Dells' money will add $250 to the accounts of kids under 10 from families earning $150, 000 or less. Michael Dell believes this will do more than just put money in an account. He thinks it will give kids hope and opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Susan Dell adds that this shows kids their communities and country care about their futures. The accounts will be invested in the stock market. When the kids turn 18, they can use the money for education, buying a home, or starting a business. The Dells hope their donation will encourage families to add more money to these accounts over time. President Trump's administration is backing this idea. They see it as a way to get more Americans involved in the stock market. Right now, only about 58% of U. S. households own stocks or bonds. The wealthiest 1% own nearly half of all stocks, while the bottom 50% own just 1%. While this is a big step, it's not a complete solution. Child poverty in the U. S. is still a major issue. In 2024, about 13% of children lived in poverty. The Trump Accounts won't immediately fix this, but they could help in the long run. Experts are hopeful about the program. They see it as a starting point that can be improved over time, just like other big policies. The Dells are excited about the potential and believe more people will join in to support this cause.