The Treasury Department announced new rules on Tuesday that will automatically enroll millions of children in Trump Accounts, a government-backed investment program. The change eliminates the need for parents to sign up, potentially adding more than 60 million accounts for children under 18, according to department guidance.
The auto-enrollment is designed to broaden access to the child investment accounts and ensure that contributions—including a $6.25 billion pledge from billionaire Michael Dell—reach more eligible households. About 73 million children are eligible for the program, but only roughly 7 million have signed up so far.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a House Financial Services hearing earlier this month that the agency expects the number of accounts to reach as high as “70 million because we will go to auto-enroll” within a month.
Trump Accounts were established under the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed by President Trump in July 2025. The program allows families to invest for their children. Children born between 2025 and 2028—the duration of Trump’s second term—are also eligible for a $1,000 federal contribution into their accounts. Once a child turns 18, the account will function as a traditional IRA.
However, the $1,000 payment will not be automatic. Parents or guardians must still request the funds and claim their child’s account before making their own deposits or receiving employer contributions.
The new rules also permit donors to contribute appreciated stock to Trump Accounts through charities. While the accounts are generally limited to diversified, low-cost index funds, the department said donated shares are allowed because they are contributed directly rather than purchased with money in the accounts. Those shares must be held for five years before they can be sold.
The news comes as Luke Pettit, the architect of Trump Accounts, is reportedly leaving the Treasury for a role in the private sector.
