The Trump administration has introduced a plan to give every baby born during a potential second term a financial head start: a $1,000 investment account, dubbed a “Trump account.”
Originally labeled “MAGA” savings accounts (for “Money Account for Growth and Advancement”), the initiative was renamed in a recent amendment by House Republicans in honor of Presideny Donald Trump .
So, who receives a “Trump Account”? Well, Forbes details that this includes all babies born in the U.S. between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2029, as long as they and their parents have Social Security numbers. The U.S. Treasury would establish and seed each account with $1,000.
Automatic enrollment is considered a crucial feature, especially for low-income families who may not otherwise engage with investment vehicles. “There’s a huge awareness gap,” said Madeline Brown of the Urban Institute. “Automatic enrollment helps ensure those who need it most actually benefit.”
The accounts would function similarly to traditional investment accounts, managed by banks or investment firms. In addition to the government’s $1,000 contribution, families and outside supporters could deposit up to $5,000 annually per child.
Sam Taube, an analyst at Nerdwallet, compared the concept to state programs like Colorado’s First Step, which offers newborns $100 toward a college fund and matches $500 annually for the first five years. But he noted that the Trump plan offers a larger initial amount, even if overall growth might remain modest without further contributions.
Withdrawals would be restricted to approved expenses, including:
- Education costs
- Down payments on homes
- Starting a small business
Using the money for anything outside these categories would trigger income taxes and a potential 10% penalty.
Critics argue the limitations could undermine the program’s effectiveness. Brown emphasized that the amount accumulated may not align with the intended uses: “A single $1,000 deposit, even with investment growth, won’t amount to a house down payment unless more support is added from families or public sources.”
When could beneficiaries access the money?
- At age 18: Half the account could be accessed for approved uses and taxed at long-term capital gains rates.
- Between 25 and 30: The remainder would become available for qualified expenses.
- After age 30: Funds could be withdrawn for any purpose, with regular tax treatment.
Brown expressed concern about how the program handles withdrawals, especially for families in financial distress. “Low-income households are more likely to need emergency funds, and more likely to face tax penalties for unapproved use,” she said, per CBS News..
She recommended considering exceptions for emergency expenses to reduce penalties on those least able to absorb them.
Despite being marketed as tax-advantaged, the accounts may not offer significant tax savings, according to The guardian “They resemble taxable brokerage accounts more than true tax-sheltered options,” Taube said.
Still, both Brown and Taube agree the concept could be helpful in principle, especially in a country where many families struggle to save for their children’s futures.“Given the current state of savings in the U.S., these accounts could offer at least a small step in the right direction,” Taube added.
