Key Takeaways
- Ray and Barbara Dalio will fund a $250 benefit in Trump Accounts for certain children in Connecticut.
- The donation is part of a broader initiative to have more philanthropists donate to the Trump Accounts, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Ray Dalio—the billionaire founder of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates—and his wife, Barbara, announced Wednesday that they will be providing $250 in the Trump Accounts for select children in Connecticut.
“These Trump Accounts are great not just because they put money into stocks for these young people but also because they draw their attention toward how finance, stocks, companies, and capitalism work to improve society and can work for them,” wrote Dalio on X.
What This Means For You
Certain children in Connecticut are expected to receive a $250 deposit in their Trump Account. This benefit is in addition to the $1,000 contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028 or the separate $250 benefit funded by Michael Dell.
The $250 benefit will be available to children in Connecticut who live in ZIP codes where the median income is less than $150,000. According to a CNBC report, roughly 87% of ZIP codes in the state meet that standard.
Trump Accounts are a type of investment account for children under age 18 that will be available starting July 5, 2026. These accounts were established earlier this year by the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act. The federal government plans to provide a $1,000 initial deposit to children born between 2025 and 2028. To claim the funding, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said parents will have to check a box on tax form 4547.
At a press conference Wednesday, Bessent said that Dalio’s donation is a part of an initiative called the “50 State Challenge” to encourage philanthropists to donate to the Trump Accounts.
“Through the 50 State Challenge, we are inviting every philanthropist in every state across the country to partner with us in building generational wealth for America’s children through Trump Accounts,” Bessent said.
This announcement comes just weeks after Michael Dell—founder and CEO of Dell Technologies—said he would be donating $250 each to select children. His donation would benefit certain children under age 10 nationally who don’t qualify for the $1,000 benefit provided by the federal government.
Trump Accounts are meant to be a type of tax-advantaged account for kids where parents, employers, nonprofits, and local and federal governments can make contributions. Funds in the account can be invested in U.S. stock mutual funds or ETFs.
The account has an annual contribution limit of $5,000, which is indexed to inflation, and funds aren’t accessible until the child turns 18. At age 18, the account is converted into a IRA and withdrawals of earnings are taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
