Ray Dalio backs Trump’s child savings initiative alongside Dell

Dec. 17 (UPI) — Ray Dalio and his wife, Barbara, are funding new investment accounts for children called Trump accounts.

The Dalio grant will provide $250 each to about 300,000 Connecticut children living in ZIP codes with median incomes under $150,000.

“Barbara and I believe strongly in the importance of equal opportunity and believe this initiative is an important step in that direction,” Ray Dalio, the founder of investment firm Bridgewater Associates, said in a statement.

It followed Michael and Susan Dell’s pledged $6 billion donation.

The Dalio family and their foundation have contributed more than $280 million to Connecticut nonprofits.

“Ray has joined what we are calling the 50-state challenge,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday. “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.”

An update Wednesday on trumpaccounts.gov listed the Dells along with Ray and Barbara Dalio as new supporters and noted more names will follow.

Created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the so-called “Trump accounts” give U.S. citizens born from 2025 to 2028 a $1,000 government deposit.

Parents can open an account by filing IRS Form 4547 with their 2025 tax return or online starting mid-2026.

Kids age 10 or younger, born before January and living in ZIP codes with median incomes below $150,000 could receive a $250 deposit from the Dell family.

Several major firms, including BNY and BlackRock, have also committed to matching contributions.