President Donald Trump signed into law the Invest America Act, part of his broader legislative package known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which establishes $1,000 government-funded investment accounts for every American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. These accounts, often referred to as "Trump Accounts," will be invested in a low-cost S&P 500 index fund and are designed to encourage long-term wealth building through compound growth. Families and relatives can contribute up to $5,000 annually to these accounts, with up to $2,500 of that on a tax-free basis. Treasury projections suggest that if fully funded and left untouched, these accounts could grow to approximately $1.9 million by the age of 28. The accounts aim to provide a financial head start for newborns and foster a culture of investment and ownership in the U.S. economy. However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sparked controversy by describing the accounts as a "backdoor for privatizing Social Security," a characterization he later sought to clarify, emphasizing that the accounts supplement rather than replace Social Security. The initiative has drawn mixed reactions from financial planners and political commentators regarding its potential impact and complexity.
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