Ray Dalio Commits $75 Million to Trump Accounts, Joining Nationwide Push to Secure Children’s Financial Futures

Billionaire hedge fund founder backs U.S. Treasury initiative to provide investment accounts for children, aiming to foster long-term financial independence

The U.S. Treasury has called on major philanthropic donors to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at securing the financial futures of America’s children, and billionaire hedge fund founder Ray Dalio has stepped up with a significant commitment.

Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and his wife Barbara announced they will contribute $75 million to the Trump Accounts program, funding investment accounts for 250,000 to 300,000 children under the age of 10 in Connecticut living in ZIP codes with median incomes under $150,000. Dalio, a lifelong Connecticut resident, credited his early exposure to the stock market with shaping his own financial success.

“I have been fortunate to live the American Dream. At an early age I was exposed to the stock market, and it changed my life,” Dalio said in a statement. “These accounts put children on a path toward financial independence.”

The Trump Accounts initiative, introduced under President Trump’s recent tax and spending legislation, will see the U.S. Treasury deposit $1,000 into investment accounts for children born during Trump’s second term. Contributions of up to $5,000 annually can be made by parents, family members, employers, and friends, starting on July 4, America’s 250th anniversary.

Dalio’s pledge follows a much larger commitment from billionaires Michael and Susan Dell, who in early December promised $6.25 billion to fund accounts for 25 million children across the country in similar low- and middle-income ZIP codes. The program also enjoys backing from companies including Visa and BlackRock, with hopes that additional state-level programs will augment the initiative.

Funds in the Trump Accounts will be invested in an index fund tracking the overall stock market, allowing children to use the money at age 18 for education, home purchases, or entrepreneurship. Venture capitalist Brad Gerstner, a supporter of the accounts, explained that while the Treasury will create accounts for every child with a Social Security number, private companies will eventually administer the investments, ensuring professional management.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the program as part of a “50 State Challenge” to engage the nation’s business leaders and philanthropic organizations. “The president is calling on our nation’s business leaders and philanthropic organizations to help us make America great again by securing the financial future of America’s children,” he said.

Dalio’s involvement underscores a growing momentum among high-net-worth individuals and corporate leaders to leverage philanthropy for long-term impact, combining personal experience, strategic investment, and national-scale initiatives to give the next generation a head start in life.