Support for the Trump Accounts program continues to grow, with one prominent venture capitalist predicting that private-sector contributions could reach another $100 billion over the next year.
Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, said he believes businesses, investors, and philanthropists will continue pouring money into the investment accounts established for eligible American children, dramatically expanding a program that has already attracted several high-profile corporate backers.
Speaking on Fox Business, Gerstner said there are still numerous commitments that have not yet been announced publicly.
“There are tens of billions of dollars in commitments we haven’t announced,” Gerstner said.
He added that he expects the program’s momentum to continue.
“I said to the president, I think we’ll have $100 billion of additional contributions in the next 12 months,” he said.
Trump Accounts are designed to give eligible American children an early start on investing. Under the program, children born between 2025 and 2028 receive $1,000 in federal seed money that can be invested in the stock market. Parents may also contribute up to $5,000 annually until the child reaches adulthood.
The accounts are also open to contributions from private individuals, charitable organizations, and businesses, allowing companies to donate cash, stock, or other qualifying assets on behalf of participating children.
Supporters argue that combining early investments with decades of compound growth could provide many young Americans with substantial financial resources by the time they reach adulthood.
Gerstner described the initiative as offering what he called a “huge societal ROI,” arguing that it encourages Americans to invest in the next generation while expanding participation in the nation’s capital markets.
Robin Vince, chief executive officer of BNY, also voiced support for the initiative during an appearance on Fox Business.
“This initiative is about bringing more people to have a stake in the actual capital markets, in the economy and the greatest companies in America,” Vince said.
He noted that approximately 40 percent of Americans do not directly own stocks, suggesting that the program could introduce millions of families to long-term investing.
Vince also pointed to the benefits of compound growth, saying that investments made early in life have the potential to grow significantly over time.
Once account holders reach age 18, the funds may be used for several approved purposes, including paying for college, purchasing a home, starting a business, or rolling the money into a retirement account.
The initiative has already attracted several major financial commitments.
Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell and his wife, Susan, pledged $6.25 billion to expand the program’s reach. Their contribution is intended to provide $250 for each of the first 25 million children who are too old to qualify for the federal government’s $1,000 seed contribution.
SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell and her husband also announced a significant donation, contributing $325 million in SpaceX stock. According to reports, the donation is intended to benefit millions of low-income children, with a particular focus on central Texas, where the aerospace company is headquartered.
Beyond those headline-grabbing gifts, dozens of companies have also pledged to match contributions employees make to their children’s Trump Accounts, increasing the amount many families can invest over the years.