Trump’s Bold Move: 401(k) Plans Could Soon Include Crypto, Gold, and Private Markets

Washington shakes as Trump lobbies to unleash crypto, gold, and private equity into retirement accounts. Wall Street's old guard won't like this one.

The 401(k) Revolution No One Saw Coming

For decades, Main Street retirement funds have been locked into stocks and bonds—while hedge funds and Silicon Valley insiders hoarded alternative assets. Now, a political heavyweight wants to smash the gates open.

Gold, Bitcoin, and Your Grandma's Retirement

The proposal would let everyday investors allocate portions of their 401(k) to cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and private startups. Critics warn of volatility; supporters scream about financial freedom (and maybe a few Lamborghini dealerships popping up near retirement communities).

Wall Street's Worst Nightmare

Traditional asset managers could lose billions in fees if investors bypass mutual funds for decentralized finance. Meanwhile, crypto exchanges are already drafting 'Retirement Moon' marketing campaigns.

The Fine Print

Expect fierce opposition from regulators who still remember 2022's crypto winter. But with midterms looming, politicians might just bet on retail investors' FOMO overriding common sense.

One thing's certain: if this passes, financial advisors will suddenly become very interested in explaining blockchain technology—right after they finish liquidating their index fund holdings.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

The order will direct the Labor Department and the SEC to update the rules that govern how retirement accounts are managed. Trump’s team wants to make it easier for financial firms to offer alternative assets inside retirement plans. This includes removing past restrictions that discouraged employers from offering crypto.

Breaking: Trump plans to sign an executive order that allows 401k retirement plans to invest in crypto pic.twitter.com/LUFalZduvP

— Crypto Tea (@CryptoTea_) July 17, 2025

The Biden administration had taken a more cautious stance, warning that digital assets might be too risky for retirement savings.

There’s a lot of money at stake here. Americans have around $9 trillion in 401(k)s, and roughly $12 trillion across all defined contribution plans. That’s a huge pool of capital. Investment firms like BlackRock and Vanguard have already started working with private equity managers. They’ve been waiting for this kind of green light to bring in new products that offer different types of returns than stocks and bonds.

Crypto in Retirement Accounts?

Trump’s support for crypto has been loud and consistent. He’s praised Bitcoin, attended crypto events, and supported digital assets during his campaign. The order follows his earlier decision to scrap a warning issued by the Biden administration, which had urged companies to stay away from crypto in retirement plans.

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Now, this new push could help turn that guidance around completely.

The idea is simple: let Americans choose. If they want to hold crypto in a tax-advantaged account like a 401(k), they should be able to do it.

The Risks Are Real

Of course, this won’t happen overnight. Even if the executive order lands this week, most firms won’t rush into offering crypto or private equity right away. Big players will wait for regulators to issue detailed rules and legal protections. If anything goes wrong, retirement plan providers don’t want to be left holding the bag.

Advisors are already raising concerns. Crypto is volatile. Private equity isn’t easy to sell quickly. These aren’t exactly the safest options for retirement savings, which are meant to be stable and long-term. Experts say the average investor should still be careful and not go overboard.

What Comes Next

This order will likely kick off a new phase of debate. Lawmakers and financial professionals will want to weigh in. Some will love the idea of more freedom in retirement investing. Others will warn that it opens the door to unnecessary risk.

For now, all eyes are on Washington. If TRUMP signs the order and regulators follow through, retirement plans could look very different soon. Whether that’s a good thing will depend on how well these new options are rolled out and whether they can actually help people build a safer future.

Key Takeaways

• Trump is preparing an executive order to let Americans hold crypto, gold, and private assets in 401(k) retirement accounts.
• The order would push the Labor Department and SEC to rewrite rules that have kept alternative assets out of most retirement plans.
• Asset managers could soon offer new investment options, as investors currently hold more than $9 trillion in 401(k) accounts.
• Trump’s plan signals a clear break from the Biden administration’s cautious stance on crypto in retirement accounts.
• Financial advisors say the proposal adds flexibility, but assets like crypto and private equity come with higher risks for long-term savers.