Ray Dalio and BlackRock Team Up to Fund ’Trump Accounts’ for American Kids

Finance heavyweights are making a play for the next generation's wallet.

Ray Dalio and BlackRock have joined forces to back a new initiative dubbed 'Trump Accounts'—investment vehicles designed specifically for U.S. children. The move signals a major institutional push to capture future capital flows at the earliest possible stage.

Building the Cradle-to-Grave Portfolio

The partnership aims to create structured savings and investment products for minors. Think college funds, but with the branding and potential political undertones to spark dinner-table debates across the nation.

It's a long-term bet on demographic trends and financial literacy—or, depending on your view, a masterclass in securing lifetime clients before they can even ride a bike. Because nothing says 'trusted financial steward' like getting them while they're still in diapers.

The Institutional Play for Hearts, Minds, and Wallets

This isn't just about saving for a new bike. By aligning with a politically charged brand name, the effort seeks to embed itself within specific cultural and family narratives. It’s asset management meets identity politics.

The strategy bypasses traditional marketing by weaving the product into the fabric of family financial planning from day one. A cynical take? It's the ultimate customer acquisition cost reduction—forge brand loyalty in childhood, and you might just have a customer for life. After all, the real money is in the assets you keep, not just the ones you gather.

Wall Street's latest power move proves one thing: the future of finance isn't just being built on blockchain—it's being built in the crib.

TLDR

• Ray Dalio commits $75 million to match $250 donations for Connecticut children’s Trump accounts.
• BlackRock joins effort to match U.S. Treasury’s $1,000 contribution to employees’ children’s accounts.
• Michael Dell donates $250 per child as part of a $6.25 billion philanthropic pledge.
• Invest America accounts will support savings for education, home purchases, and business startups.

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio and investment giant BlackRock have pledged significant contributions to the TRUMP administration’s initiative aimed at fostering savings for children. The program, known as “Trump Accounts,” is designed to provide financial support to children born between 2025 and 2028. Both Dalio and BlackRock’s involvement signals growing private-sector interest in this U.S. government-backed initiative.

Dalio’s Contribution to Connecticut Children’s Accounts

Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, has committed to donating $75 million to support the investment accounts for children in Connecticut. This donation will match the $250 contribution from entrepreneur Michael Dell and his wife, Susan, aimed at benefiting 300,000 children. The initiative is part of a broader philanthropic effort, with Dalio urging other philanthropists and leaders to contribute to similar programs in their home states.

In a post shared on social media, Dalio expressed his hope that this collective action WOULD inspire further private-sector donations to the fund. The goal is to generate support for a program that will ultimately serve millions of American children. These funds are intended to grow over time, helping young individuals access education, job training, first homes, or start businesses.

BlackRock to Match Federal Contributions

In addition to Dalio’s donation, BlackRock has committed to matching the federal government’s $1,000 contribution to the Trump Accounts for its employees’ children. The financial firm joins a growing list of corporations, including Visa, Mastercard, Uber, and Block, that are participating in this program. BlackRock’s involvement underscores the significant interest from major financial firms in helping secure the future of American children through this initiative.

The Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” aims to fund investment accounts for all children born within the specified years, providing each child with an initial $1,000 deposit. The funds are then required to be invested in an index fund that tracks the broader stock market. According to officials, the money in these accounts will not be accessible until the child reaches the age of 18.

A Growing Movement of Corporate Support

Other companies, such as Charter Communications, BNY Mellon, and Visa, have also expressed their commitment to matching contributions to these accounts. The private-sector backing for the Trump Accounts highlights a shift towards broader corporate responsibility in fostering long-term financial security for future generations.

In total, the initiative has seen a surge of donations, with individual contributions ranging from corporate support to large-scale philanthropic pledges. Michael Dell and his wife, for instance, have committed $250 per child, amounting to a $6.25 billion philanthropic pledge for 25 million children. These funds will significantly expand the scope of the initiative and provide crucial financial support to children across the U.S.

The Road Ahead for Trump Accounts

Set to open in 2026, the “Trump Accounts” program is still in its early stages. The initiative aims to provide young Americans with the means to pursue higher education, vocational training, homeownership, or entrepreneurship once they reach adulthood. While many details remain under discussion, the program’s design is expected to encourage saving and investing among children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Despite ongoing discussions, the expectation is that these investment accounts will serve as a significant step in closing the wealth gap for lower-income Americans. The federal seed funding, coupled with private-sector contributions, aims to create a foundation for long-term financial security for the next generation.

As more companies and philanthropists join the effort, the ultimate impact of the program will depend on its ability to engage a broad base of supporters and beneficiaries. The Trump Accounts initiative is seen as a potential model for future financial aid programs, promoting investment in the next generation of Americans.