What Are Trump Accounts?

Trump Accounts are a new type of traditional individual retirement account established for the benefit of eligible children. Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish an account for a qualifying child.

The account is intended to provide children with a long-term investment vehicle. Contributions can grow on a tax-deferred basis under the rules that apply to Trump Accounts.

$1,000 Government Contribution

One of the most notable features is the federal governments $1,000 pilot program contribution. The contribution is available for eligible children born after December 31, 2024 and before January 1, 2029, subject to the programs requirements.

To qualify for the $1,000 pilot contribution, the child must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid Social Security number. An election for the pilot contribution must also be made through the applicable process.

Who Is Eligible for a Trump Account?

A Trump Account can generally be established for a child who will not have reached age 18 by the end of the calendar year in which the election is made and who has a valid Social Security number.

• The child must generally be under age 18 at the end of the election year.
• The child must have a valid Social Security number.
• An authorized individual must make the account election.
• The child cannot already have an election establishing an initial Trump Account.

The requirements for the separate $1,000 pilot contribution are more specific. The child must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid Social Security number and be born during the eligible 2025–2028 period.

Automatic Enrollment in 2026

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on October 1, 2026 that automatic enrollment for Trump Accounts had been completed.

Under the automatic enrollment process, eligible children under age 18 with valid Social Security numbers have an account ready to be claimed. Parents or guardians still need to claim the account before they can manage it and allow eligible contributions to be made.

How Parents Can Claim a Childs Trump Account

Parents and guardians can use the official Trump Accounts process to claim an automatically enrolled account.

How to Open a Trump Account if Your Child Is Not Automatically Enrolled

Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can elect to establish a Trump Account for an eligible child through the IRS process.

The IRS provides Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s), for making the election. The IRS also provides an online process through the individuals IRS Online Account.

How Much Can Families Contribute?

Authorized contributions to a Trump Account are generally limited to $5,000 per year, subject to the applicable rules.

Contributions can potentially come from parents, relatives, friends, employers, state governments, philanthropic organizations and other eligible contributors.

The $1,000 federal pilot contribution is separate and does not count toward the $5,000 annual contribution limit.

When Can Contributions Be Made?

Contributions to Trump Accounts can be made beginning July 4, 2026. The account must be established and available for contributions according to the applicable program rules.

How Are Trump Account Funds Invested?

During the growth period, Trump Account investments are subject to specific investment requirements.

Eligible investments generally track a broad equity index consisting primarily of U.S. companies, do not use leverage and have annual fees and expenses of no more than 0.1% of the investment balance.

If the account beneficiary does not select an eligible investment offered by the trustee, funds can be automatically invested in an eligible investment selected by the trustee.

When Can Money Be Withdrawn?

Trump Accounts have special rules during the growth period. In general, distributions are not permitted during this period.

The growth period generally ends on December 31 of the calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches age 17. After the growth period, traditional IRA rules generally apply, subject to the specific Trump Account provisions.

Why Are Trump Accounts Important for Families?

Trump Accounts vs. Traditional Savings Accounts

Protect Yourself From Trump Account Scams

Because Trump Accounts involve government benefits and financial accounts, families should be careful about phishing emails, fake websites and fraudulent requests for personal information.

• Use official government websites and authorized account services.
• Do not share passwords or one-time verification codes.
• Do not provide sensitive financial information to unknown callers.
• Be cautious about links sent through unexpected text messages or emails.
• Verify information through official Treasury or IRS resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Takeaway

Trump Accounts introduce a new long-term investment option for eligible children in the United States. The program includes a one-time $1,000 federal pilot contribution for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 and allows additional contributions within the applicable annual limits.

With automatic enrollment completed in October 2026, parents and guardians of eligible children should check the official Trump Accounts service, claim the account when applicable and review the current IRS and Treasury rules before making contributions or investment decisions.