Dell CEO speaks out on £6.25 billion giveaway after wife’s viral White House appearance

The CEO of Dell has issued an update after making a multibillion-dollar pledge alongside his wife.

Michael and Susan Dell, following her viral appearance at the White House with Donald Trump, have contributed $6.25 billion to ‘help 25 million children start building a strong financial foundation’.

The US government is also offering $1,000 to eligible children born between 2025 and 2028, with the money going into a special investment account, which parents can add to if they wish.

It is then invested in the stock market, giving it the chance to grow as the child gets older, although its value could also fall.

When children turn 18, they can begin accessing the money under certain rules, giving them a financial head start in adult life.

Earlier this week, Trump joked about endorsing Susan, 62, for office after she urged families to claim the $250 per child.

“I’m very pleased to let you know today that we have funded 10 million of those accounts as of this morning,” Michael, 61, said on Wednesday.

“By the end of this week we will have funded 25 million of those accounts.”

“$250 is just the beginning,” he added. “If you have a child under 18 with a social security number you should claim your account.”

Susan said: “Over the past month, as our contribution reached millions of children’ s accounts, Michael and I have heard from so many parents and kids and grandparents with these beautiful letters that have truly moved us.

“Children have told us that they want to become entrepreneurs... nurses, doctors, engineers. They want to build their own companies some day.”

“We’ve heard from parents and grandparents who share what it means to them,” she added.

“To know that there is an investment in their child’s future. These things are so wonderful and so important. It’s not just the money that matters... Knowing someone believes in you and your future that matters just as much.”

Taking to X on Thursday, Michael - who is worth a reported $281.7 billion - said: “Promise made. Promise kept.

“By tomorrow, 25 million American children will have our gift of $250 in their accounts.”

Responding to the tweet, one user wrote: “If I remember correctly I paid almost 5k in the mid to late 90s for the most sophisticated made to order Dell laptop.

“Never, in my wildest dreams would I have thought that purchase would turn into an investment for my grandchildren 30 years later. Thank you @POTUS thank you @MichaelDell.”

Another penned: “Thank you and your wife (and whole family). What great role models in philanthropy and marriage. Bravo.”

While a third added: “Thank you. One of my three grands already has an account and I'm encouraging the parents of the other two to finish signing up so I can move the nest egg I have for them there.”