Michael Dell, the billionaire founder of Dell Technologies, has launched one of the largest private charitable commitments in American history. He and his wife, Susan Dell, announced a $6.25 billion pledge to help tens of millions of children build long-term wealth through the new federal “Trump Accounts” program. The initiative represents a major boost to President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending bill and aims to give every child a meaningful stake in the future of the U.S. economy.
Who Is Michael Dell and How He Built His Fortune?
Michael Dell is known worldwide as the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, a company he started at age 19 while a freshman at the University of Texas. By selling customized computers directly to consumers, he reshaped the personal computing market. His success grew into one of the largest tech companies in the world.
According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at about $148 billion. Together with Susan Dell, he has already donated billions through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, with a major focus on education. But their new commitment far exceeds anything they have done before.
What the Dells Are Donating and Why
The $6.25 billion donation will seed investment accounts for roughly 25 million American children who otherwise would not qualify for the full federal program. Each qualified child age 10 or younger will receive a $250 deposit funded by the Dells. This includes children born before 2025 who are not eligible for the Treasury’s $1,000 federal grant.
Michael Dell said the goal is to help families “from the start” and to build a culture of saving. Susan Dell added that they want children to know their families, communities and country believe in their future.
The gift is expected to reach children in ZIP codes where median income is $150,000 or less. It is believed to be the largest single private charitable commitment ever made to U.S. children.
What Are Trump Accounts?
Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts created under President Trump’s “one big beautiful bill.” They are available to any American child under age 18 with a Social Security number. Accounts for eligible newborns will be automatically seeded with a $1,000 deposit from the U.S. Treasury. The program applies to U.S. citizens born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028.
Parents will be able to open and contribute to Trump Accounts starting July 4, 2026. Families can deposit money, employers can contribute, and philanthropists can give unlimited amounts. Dell Technologies has already pledged to match the $1,000 federal grants for newborn children of company employees.
The Rules and Structure of Trump Accounts
The accounts follow simple, strict guidelines designed to make saving easy and growth automatic:
- Children must have a Social Security number
- Accounts may be opened for any child under age 18
- Funds must be invested in a low-cost, diversified index fund tracking the U.S. stock market
- Money cannot be withdrawn until the child turns 18
- At age 18, funds can be used for education, a home purchase, or starting a business
- Assets will convert into an IRA at age 18, with standard tax rules applying
- Parents, employers, and philanthropists can contribute during the child’s first 18 years
- Up to $5,000 per year in contributions can qualify for tax deductions
Originally called “MAGA accounts,” the final version of Trump Accounts was included in the House’s late revision of the bill.
Supporters say that Trump Accounts give young people a real share in America’s economic growth. Because the funds track a broad stock index, every child will benefit from the long-term rise of the U.S. economy. Venture capitalist Brad Gerstner said the program can help restore confidence in free market, capitalist democracy by ensuring everyone participates in economic gains.
Policy experts compare the program to historic federal efforts like Social Security and the Affordable Care Act, noting that major programs often start imperfect but improve over time. The accounts are also designed to attract private donations. Gerstner said it is usually hard to give money to poor children in a way that compounds, but Trump Accounts solve that problem.
Children who receive the federal $1,000 seeding, the Dells’ additional $250, or contributions from family and community will see their accounts grow along with the stock market. When they turn 18, they will have a meaningful sum to launch their adult lives.
Allowable uses include:
- Paying for college
- Purchasing a first home
- Starting a business
Even modest contributions can grow significantly over time. Supporters say this helps build lifelong financial habits and gives children a realistic path to upward mobility.
The Long-Term Vision
Michael Dell has discussed the project with other philanthropists and expects many will follow. President Trump praised the donation as one of the most generous acts in American history and said other wealthy Americans have already pledged to contribute.
The intention is to create a national culture of saving, investing, and opportunity. Susan Dell said the couple wanted to send a message to every child: their country is rooting for them to have a bright future.
As the Dells explained, investing in children is the one investment that always grows. Their $6.25 billion gift is intended not only to seed millions of accounts, but also to spark a movement that helps an entire generation build wealth, independence, and hope.
