Trump Spotlights Austin Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell in SOTU Speech

The Dells pledged $250 per child to Trump's 'Invest America' accounts, which automatically establish $1,000 accounts for children born 2025-2028.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump praised Texas billionaires Michael and Susan Dell for their $6.25 billion pledge to his 'Invest America' program, which will establish $1,000 accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028. Trump referred to the Dells as 'great people' and highlighted their philanthropic efforts.

Why it matters

The Dells' donation to Trump's investment account initiative is the latest in their long history of major philanthropic gifts, mostly focused on children's organizations, education, and healthcare in the Austin area. This spotlights the Dells' influence and the president's effort to promote private-public partnerships to address financial burdens facing American families.

The details

In his State of the Union address, Trump said the Dells pledged $250 per child to his 'Invest America' program, which will automatically establish $1,000 accounts for 25 million children born between 2025 and 2028. The president credited Michael Dell with bringing the idea for the accounts to him, and said Dell's company would match the government's $1,000 contribution for employees' children.

  • President Trump gave the State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.
  • The Dells announced their $6.25 billion pledge to the 'Invest America' accounts in December 2025.
  • The 'Invest America' program is set to take effect on July 4.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who highlighted the Dells' donation during his State of the Union address.

Michael Dell

The founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, who pledged $250 per child to Trump's 'Invest America' accounts.

Susan Dell

The co-founder of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, who partnered with her husband Michael on the $6.25 billion pledge.

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What they’re saying

“To philanthropists, companies, community leaders, if you want to be part of something truly meaningful for our kids, communities, for our countries, join us.”

— Michael Dell, Founder and CEO, Dell Technologies (statesman.com)

“When I ask Michael Dell how do you make all that money, he said, 'Well, I just sat in my dorm in school and I made computers, and I sell them to people, and I just kept selling and selling and selling.' Pretty amazing story that's called the American dream.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (statesman.com)

What’s next

The 'Invest America' program is set to take effect on July 4, 2026, when parents can begin opening accounts for their children.

The takeaway

The Dells' sizable donation to Trump's 'Invest America' initiative highlights their long history of major philanthropic giving, particularly focused on children's causes in the Austin area. It also showcases the president's efforts to promote public-private partnerships to address financial challenges facing American families.