Trump Accounts Initiative Sees Surge in Sign-Ups for Children's Investments
By John Nada·Feb 20, 2026·4 min read
The Trump Accounts initiative has gained traction with 2 million forms filed, indicating strong interest in children's investment accounts. This could shift family financial habits.
In a significant push to promote financial literacy among children, approximately 2 million families have submitted forms to open Trump accounts, with an estimated total of about 3 million children expected to participate, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This surge follows a high-profile marketing campaign that included a Super Bowl advertisement and a billboard in New York's Times Square. The Trump Accounts initiative, which allows parents to claim a one-time seed contribution of up to $1,000 by filing IRS Form 4547, has generated considerable interest since the start of tax season. Families can opt to open these accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028, highlighting a targeted effort to engage younger generations in financial planning and investment.
This early enthusiasm for the program suggests a strong market fit for such financial products aimed at children. With contributions allowed up to $5,000 annually and additional matching opportunities from employers, the initiative could reshape how families approach savings and investments for their children, potentially impacting broader financial behaviors in the U.S. If successful, this program could serve as a model for future financial literacy initiatives, emphasizing the importance of early investment and savings habits. The recent announcement from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at an event near Dallas marked a pivotal moment for the initiative.
"As we approach 2 million forms, that will probably be about 3 million children," Bessent noted, underscoring the initiative's reach. This strong response can be attributed, in part, to a massive publicity push spearheaded by Invest America, a nonprofit advocacy group that co-sponsored the Super Bowl advertisement promoting the initiative. Matt Lira, co-founder of Invest America, remarked on the significance of the early sign-ups, stating, "Programs like this often struggle with sign-ups," thereby highlighting the unusual success of this program. The opening of tax season on January 26 provided the first opportunity for families to elect to open Trump accounts and claim the seed money.
This timing was strategic, as it coincided with a period where families are typically focused on financial planning and tax returns. Less than two weeks later, following the Super Bowl on February 8, Invest America announced via social media that families could also begin filing Form 4547 separately through TrumpAccounts.gov, further streamlining the sign-up process. Any parent or guardian can set up an account for a child under 18, but only those children born between 2025 and 2028 are eligible for the one-time $1,000 contribution from the Treasury. This age restriction emphasizes the initiative's focus on nurturing financial literacy from an early age.
Once families submit Form 4547, they will be contacted by a designated trustee to finalize the account setup. The authentication process is expected to begin in May, allowing families to move forward with their accounts in a timely manner. Once an account is established, the federal government's $1,000 seed funding will be available in Trump accounts starting July 4. This date aligns with a significant national holiday, potentially serving to symbolize the financial independence the initiative aims to foster among future generations.
In addition to the initial deposit, parents, guardians, and other contributors can add up to $5,000 annually to the accounts until the child turns 18 years old. This flexibility allows families to engage in long-term financial planning that can yield substantial benefits over time. Moreover, a growing number of companies have pledged to match the Treasury's initial deposit for the children of their employees. This collaborative effort could enhance the financial resources available to families, as employers can contribute up to $2,500 as part of the $5,000 limit.
Such employer contributions may incentivize families to participate in the program, fostering a culture of saving and investment from an early age. The initiative also opens doors for potential philanthropic contributions to Trump accounts, depending on income and geographic location. This aspect of the program highlights the importance of community and collective investment in children's futures. Gifts facilitated by the Treasury will not count toward the $5,000 contribution limit, allowing families to maximize their investment potential and further enhance their children's financial literacy.
The implications of the Trump Accounts initiative extend beyond immediate financial benefits. By instilling the habit of saving and investing at a young age, this program aims to equip children with the financial knowledge they need to navigate complex economic landscapes in the future. As financial literacy becomes increasingly critical in a rapidly changing world, initiatives like this may play a crucial role in shaping the financial habits of future generations. As families continue to express interest in the Trump Accounts initiative, the broader financial community will be watching closely to assess its long-term impact on children's financial literacy and investment behaviors.