Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Dell CEO Michael Dell Talks Donation To Fund 'Trump Accounts' For Kids
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Bloomberg (Caroline Hyde, with guest Michael Dell)

Overview

This episode features a landmark conversation with Michael Dell, CEO and co-founder of Dell Technologies, discussing his and wife Susan Dell's extraordinary $6.25 billion philanthropic initiative. Their donation aims to jumpstart investment accounts—popularly dubbed "Trump Accounts"—for 25 million U.S. children aged 10 and under, especially those excluded from a new federal child investment program. The episode delves into the motivations, logistics, broader bipartisan support, and societal implications of this transformative financial gesture.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Michael and Susan Dell's $6.25 Billion Philanthropic Initiative

• Scope and Target:

  • Dell and his wife Susan are donating $250 each to 25 million children across the U.S.
  • Focused on kids 10 and under from households with median incomes of $150,000 or less, who aren't already eligible for the federal program.
  • Michael Dell: “So think ages 2 to 10. We're going to give 25 million of those children $250 each in their account.” [01:45]

• Connection to Invest America Initiative:

  • Builds on the White House's Invest America Act, where the government gives $1,000 to every newborn in an S&P 500-linked account.
  • Accounts can be used at age 18 for education, entrepreneurship, saving, or purchasing a home.
  • Dell hopes their actions will "inspire them and give them hope and opportunity and prosperity." [01:56]

• Catalyzing Further Participation:

  • Dell expects other philanthropists and corporations to join or match contributions, both in scale and through targeted regional efforts.
  • Michael Dell: “I've spoken with a number of other philanthropists. I believe you'll see some other significant gifts.” [02:45]
  • Dell Technologies itself will match the government's contributions.

How the Program Will Operate

• Direct Distribution Model:

  • Unlike some philanthropic efforts, the Dell money goes directly to the children’s accounts, not via government channels.
  • Michael Dell: “We are giving $250 directly to 25 million children.” [04:41]

• Timeline and Logistics:

  • Implementation expected by July 5, 2026, when parents can claim the accounts.
  • Initial custody is with a designated bank; families can later choose their preferred bank or brokerage.
  • Michael Dell: “...every parent will be able to claim the account for their child that's 18 and under.” [05:17]

• Bank and Asset Management Infrastructure:

  • Major banks expected to participate; parents/brokers will have flexibility in choosing the account institution.
  • Michael Dell: “I think it'll be, you know, all the major banks... the parents will be able to choose whichever their favorite bank or, you know, stock brokerage is.” [05:58]

Broad and Bipartisan Support

• Non-political Positioning:

  • The initiative has cross-party support, with figures like Senators Cory Booker and Ted Cruz directly engaged.
  • Michael Dell: “There is completely bipartisan support for this idea. It's not a political initiative. This is about investing in children...” [06:33]

• Roots of the Concept:

  • Originated from conversations in 2021, credited in part to tech investor Brad Gerstner.
  • Gained traction only after the current administration facilitated legislative action.

AI and the Future for Beneficiary Children

• Implications for Education and Economic Change:

  • Dell emphasizes the future landscape of work, shaped by AI and technology, and the need to teach critical thinking alongside technological fluency.
  • Michael Dell: “I would encourage kids and parents and educators to focus on the critical thinking skills and being able to analyze problems without the assistance of technology, but also use technology as... a tool.” [07:48]

• AI’s Potential and Economic Transformation:

  • Dell is optimistic about AI driving economic growth but acknowledges challenges and the need for retraining.
  • Michael Dell: “...as we get new and better tools, are we doing more work and solving more problems… or… doing the same amount of work with just fewer people... You could put me down for economic growth and prosperity as a result of these tools.” [08:14]

• Responsibility for Reskilling:

  • Retraining is a shared responsibility among companies, the government, and educational institutions.
  • Michael Dell: “I think it's a collective responsibility that we all have. I think every company has to reskill its workforce. I think the education system has to adapt and build the new skills and capabilities.” [09:16]

Investment Risks and Long-term Perspective

• Market Volatility and Children’s Accounts:
  • Dell recognizes fluctuations but maintains confidence in S&P 500 as a long-term vehicle for growth.
  • Michael Dell: “Long term… investing these accounts in The S&P 500 is a very good way to compound over time for these children.” [10:04]
  • AI’s surge creates “a lot more demand than supply” for critical industries, promising productivity gains.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “We think the smartest investment we can make is in our children.”
  – Michael Dell [11:37]

• “There is completely bipartisan support for this idea. It's not a political initiative. This is about investing in children, and we think that's the smartest investment that we can make.”
  – Michael Dell [06:33]

• “I've spoken with a number of other philanthropists. I believe you'll see some other significant gifts.”
  – Michael Dell [02:45]

• On AI and future workforce:
  “I would encourage kids and parents and educators to focus on the critical thinking skills...[and] use technology as a resource and as a tool.”
  – Michael Dell [07:48]

• On shared responsibility for training:
  “I think it's a collective responsibility that we all have... There's a role for all of us to, to play in that.”
  – Michael Dell [09:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• $6.25B Philanthropic Donation Announcement: [00:24]–[01:56]
• Initiative Rationale and Scope: [01:05]–[02:45]
• Philanthropic Collaboration and National Reach: [03:22]–[04:17]
• Execution Logistics: [04:53]–[06:22]
• Bipartisan and Legislative Support: [06:22]–[07:09]
• Education, AI, and Future Workforce: [07:27]–[09:37]
• Investment Vehicles and Market Risks: [09:37]–[11:23]
• Closing Messages and Reflections: [11:23]–[11:41]

This episode provides an incisive look at a bold philanthropic and policy experiment with widespread implications for economic opportunity, generational wealth, bipartisan collaboration, and the evolving role of technology in society. Michael Dell’s initiative goes beyond charity—it’s a signal for sustained national investment in America's youngest citizens.