The US has auto-enrolled nearly 70 million children in Trump Accounts, new tax-advantaged investment accounts. Here is how they work.

What are they? Investment accounts for Americans under 18 who hold a social security number. The money is invested in an S and P 500 index fund and becomes available at 18.

How much is in them? Children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 get a 1,000-dollar seed contribution. Separately, the Dells have pledged 6.25 billion dollars to add 250 dollars for about 25 million children in lower-income zip codes.

Do parents need to act? Yes. Although accounts were created automatically, parents must claim them through an app to manage the money and add contributions.

Why the debate? Supporters call it the largest child-wealth programme in US history. Critics say a one-time seed does little for the poorest families and question the use of public branding. Either way, eligible families should claim their accounts.