First lady Melania Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Thursday that children in foster care will be eligible for Trump Accounts, ensuring they can participate in the investment program even when no parent or guardian is available to open an account for them.
Trump Accounts are designed to help children build wealth over time through tax-advantaged investment accounts seeded with an initial government contribution. Until now, participation generally required a parent or legal guardian to open an account on a child’s behalf.
The new initiative, called Fostering the Future Accounts, allows states and tribal governments serving as legal guardians to open Trump Accounts for eligible children in foster care.
“For the first time, children in foster care will have access to a dedicated investment and savings vehicle,” Melania Trump said during Thursday’s announcement.
NOW: @FLOTUS and @SecScottBessent announce Trump Accounts for children in foster care.
This expands access for children for whom the state acts as their legal guardian. @FLOTUS says 23 governors have already agreed to set up the accounts in their states and urges all 50… pic.twitter.com/gvqeHK6Pto
— Brecca Stoll (@breccastoll) June 11, 2026
The program could make roughly 400,000 foster children eligible to participate, based on federal estimates of the number of children currently in foster care nationwide.
Bessent said the change ensures children will receive the same $1,000 Treasury-funded contribution available through standard Trump Accounts for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.
States will also be permitted to deposit a child’s Social Security survivor benefits into the account.
Like other Trump Accounts, the funds will be professionally managed and invested in diversified index funds. When participants reach adulthood, they may use the money for approved expenses, including college tuition, purchasing a home, or starting a business.
Mrs. Trump said 23 governors have already agreed to implement the program and urged the remaining states to participate.
“Let’s put America’s children before politics,” she said.