Why Susan Dell is in the news

On October 7, 2026, Susan Dell joined her husband, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell, and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to encourage families to claim Trump Accounts for their children. According to news reports, Trump joked that he would give her his “complete and total endorsement” if she ever entered politics.

What are Trump Accounts?

Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children under eighteen. They were created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4, 2025. govdelivery

In December 2025, Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion commitment to the program, which works out to $250 for each of 25 million children.

Eligibility and enrollment (as of October 8, 2026)

According to the U.S. Treasury, every eligible child under eighteen with a valid Social Security number now has a Trump Account, following the completion of automatic enrollment. A parent or guardian must claim the account through the official Trump Accounts app to manage it and allow family, friends and employers to contribute. 

The $1,000 federal seed contribution is a separate benefit. The IRS says it covers children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Treasury says eligible children must also have their accounts claimed to receive it. Families can also enroll using IRS Form 4547, and contributions to accounts opened on July 4, 2026. 4 million children have been signed up for trump accounts with 1 million claiming the 1000 pilot program contribution +2

Rules may change. Check trumpaccounts.gov and IRS.gov before taking action.

Timeline

  • December 2025: Dells announce the $6.25 billion commitment
  • July 4, 2026: Contributions to Trump Accounts open
  • October 1, 2026: Treasury announces automatic enrollment is complete
  • October 7, 2026: Dells appear at the White House urging families to claim accounts

Who is Susan dell

Who is Susan Dell?

Susan Dell is co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, established in 1999 to expand opportunities for families. A Dallas native, she has guided the foundation’s strategy for more than 25 years. She has been married to Michael Dell since 1989, and they have four children.

Giving at a glance

  • $10 billion committed to nonprofits and social enterprises in the U.S., India, Africa and Israel
  • 800+ active projects worldwide each year
  • Major Texas health investments: Dell Medical School at UT Austin, Dell Seton Medical Center, Dell Children’s Medical Center
  • Co-led the $100 million Rebuild Texas Fund for communities hit by Hurricane Harvey

Beyond philanthropy

Susan is a fashion entrepreneur who founded three labels, including the luxury brand Phi. She is also an endurance athlete who has competed in elite marathons, triathlons and the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Recognition and service

  • Served on President Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports
  • Life trustee, Dell Children’s Foundation; former board member, Cooper Institute
  • Inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame (2018) for her Hurricane Harvey relief work
  • With Michael, received the History-Making Texan Award (2025) from the Texas State History Museum Foundation

FAQ

Does my child already have a Trump Account?
Treasury says every eligible child under 18 with a valid Social Security number now has one. You still need to claim it through the official app. 

Does every child get $1,000?
No. Only children born between 2025 and 2028 qualify, and the account must be claimed.

How much can families contribute?
Contributions are generally capped at $5,000 per account per year, and employers can contribute up to $2,500 of that. The $1,000 federal seed payment does not count against the cap. cpapracticeadvisor

What is the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation?
A family foundation founded in 1999 that has committed $10 billion to improving opportunities for families globally.