Experts push auto-enrollment for Trump Accounts to seed $1,000 per newborn
Two Washington University researchers urge auto-enrolling all babies born 2025–2028 into the ‘Trump Accounts’ program to guarantee a $1,000 seed retirement savings, potentially expanding reach from about 1.4 million newborns to roughly 73 million children. The Treasury says it aims to maximize impact, and proponents point to Maine’s Alfond Grant as a successful auto-enrollment model. Enrollment currently hinges on taxpayers filing Form 4547, which may overlook low-income families who don’t file taxes or understand the process. Philanthropic pledges could broaden reach, but critics warn the plan could disproportionately benefit wealthier families if enrollment remains opt-in. Projections show the initial $1,000 growing to about $6,000 by age 18 and roughly $243,000 by age 55. Considerations include lost or forgotten small accounts and the overall cost to taxpayers.)