INCREDIBLE

OFFER!

$200 Bonus + Up to 5% Cash Back

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Plus, enjoy 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable APR).

APPLY NOW

Member FDIC

More Than 1 in 4 Moms Plan to Skip Trump Accounts - Here's Why

Many moms are passing on the $1,000 child savings boost.

By Jordan Major , Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated July 9, 2026

Add Us On Google

A new government savings program is offering families $1,000 for every newborn, with the goal of giving children a stronger financial start. The funds would be placed into a long-term investment account, giving parents a way to help their child get ahead financially from birth.

Still, a recent survey shows that while many moms plan to take advantage of the new "Trump Accounts," a significant share either plan to skip them on purpose or don't even know they exist.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

What Trump Accounts offer

Trump Accounts officially launched on July 4 and are designed as a long-term savings tool for children. Any American child born between 2025 and 2028 is eligible to receive a $1,000 contribution from the U.S. Treasury when the account is opened. Parents or guardians can then add their own contributions, with the money invested in index funds that grow over time.

Even without additional deposits, that initial $1,000 could grow to around $6,000 by the time the child turns 18, thanks to compound interest. Once the child reaches adulthood, the funds can be used for major life expenses like college tuition, buying a first home, or starting a business. After that, the account transitions into something closer to a retirement account, similar to an IRA.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Many families are opting out of Trump Accounts

Despite the potential financial upside, not all families are on board. According to a BabyCenter survey, 54% of moms with a baby or one on the way say they plan to open a Trump Account. But more than one in four, 27%, say they are intentionally choosing not to.

That leaves a large portion of eligible families at risk of missing out on the benefit altogether, either by choice or lack of awareness.

Politics is shaping participation with Trump Accounts

For some parents, the decision is not just financial. The survey found that 12% of respondents said they are skipping the accounts specifically because they do not support the Trump administration.

At the same time, 17% said they plan to open an account purely for the financial benefit, even if they disagree politically. That split highlights how politics is influencing participation in what is otherwise a straightforward savings program.

The divide is especially noticeable among younger parents. Gen Z parents, ages 18 to 28, are more likely to opt out due to political reasons, with 18% saying they object to the program. Among Millennial parents, that figure drops to just under one in 10.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

Awareness of the program is a major issue

Not every family is making an active choice to skip the program. About 20% of moms surveyed said they don't know what a Trump Account is, suggesting that a significant number of eligible families may miss out simply because they are unaware of the benefit.

That lack of awareness adds another layer of disparity, particularly for households that could benefit most from additional financial support.

Income gaps in participation

The survey also found a clear divide based on income. Higher-income families are more likely to open Trump Accounts, while lower-income households are less likely to know about them in the first place.

New and expectant parents earning less than $75,000 a year are three times less likely to be aware of the program compared to those earning above that threshold. Nearly 30% of parents in this lower-income group said they don't know what a Trump Account is, versus just 10% of those making more than $75,000.

The gap extends to participation as well. Among households earning more than $125,000, about 76% say they plan to open a Trump Account for their child. By comparison, only 44% of parents earning under $75,000 say they intend to do the same.

Why the decision matters

Raising a child is expensive, and even a small financial boost can make a difference over time. BabyCenter estimates that the first year of raising a baby alone can cost more than $20,000, with child-related expenses taking up about 31% of a family's income.

In that context, a $1,000 starting balance, and the potential for it to grow, could help offset future costs tied to education, housing, or other major milestones. Still, the value of the account depends on whether families open one and allow the funds to grow over time.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

How Trump Accounts compare to other options

Trump Accounts are not the only way to save for a child's future. They share similarities with 529 plans, which are commonly used for education savings, as well as custodial accounts that allow parents to invest on behalf of their children.

The key difference is the upfront government contribution, which gives Trump Accounts an immediate advantage. However, other accounts may offer more flexibility or different tax benefits depending on how the funds are used. Parents may want to compare options before deciding which approach fits their financial goals.

What parents should consider

For families weighing whether to open a Trump Account, the decision comes down to a few key factors. The guaranteed $1,000 contribution is a clear benefit, especially if the funds are left to grow over time. But considerations like investment options, long-term flexibility, and personal views about the program may also play a role.

It's also worth noting that doing nothing could mean missing out entirely. Unlike automatic benefits, these accounts require parents or guardians to take action to open them.

Bottom line

The Trump Account program offers a $1,000 head start for children born in the coming years, with the potential to grow into a much larger sum over time. But with 27% of moms planning to skip the accounts and 20% unaware of them altogether, the program is already showing signs of uneven participation.

Awareness may be just as important as eligibility when it comes to families looking to start investing in their child's future, especially as those who miss out early may lose the full benefit of long-term growth.

More from FinanceBuzz:

$0 annual fee
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Apply Now

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Terms and conditions apply.

Discover <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>it<sup>®</sup></span> Cash Back

4.7

Apply Now

on Issuer's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

Why we like it