Children born before 2025 can open a Trump Account, but the rules depend on their exact age and the program's current enrollment rules

A Trump Account is a child savings program that lets parents or guardians set aside money for a child's future. The program has specific age rules about who can open an account. If your child was born before January 1, 2025, they may be able to open one — but "may" matters here, because the rules change based on when the account is opened and what the program's current enrollment window allows.

The simplest version: most Trump Account programs accept children from birth up to a certain age, often around age 17 or 18. A child born in 2024, 2023, or earlier is usually within that window. However, you need to check the specific program rules where you live, because different states or program administrators may set different age cutoffs or may have paused enrollment temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • Children born before 2025 are generally within the age range for Trump Account enrollment, though the exact cutoff depends on your state or program administrator.
  • You will need to verify your child's birth date and your own identity when opening an account, using documents like a birth certificate and government ID.
  • Some programs have enrollment windows or caps on how many new accounts they accept, so checking whether enrollment is currently open in your area is the first step.
  • The account belongs to the child, but a parent or guardian manages it until the child reaches the age of majority, usually 18 or 21 depending on state law.

Age rules and enrollment windows

Trump Account programs typically accept children from birth through age 17, though some programs extend to age 18. A child born in 2024 is currently under one year old and well within the window. A child born in 2020, 2015, or 2010 is also within range. The question is not really whether your child's birth year qualifies — it is whether the program is currently accepting new accounts.

Many child savings programs operate on an enrollment window, meaning they accept new accounts during certain periods and then pause. This happens for administrative reasons: the program may need time to process accounts, manage funds, or wait for new budget approval. Before you gather documents, contact your state's program administrator or check their website to confirm that enrollment is open right now. If it is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen.

Some programs also have age-based cutoffs for when a child can no longer open a new account. For example, a program might accept children up to age 17 but not age 18. If your child is close to that cutoff, opening an account sooner rather than later protects your ability to do so.

What documents you will need

To open a Trump Account for a child born before 2025, you will typically need to show the child's identity and your own. The most common documents are a birth certificate (for the child) and a government-issued photo ID (for the parent or guardian opening the account). Some programs also accept a Social Security card or number in place of a birth certificate, though a birth certificate is usually preferred because it is harder to forge.

You will also need proof of your relationship to the child if you are not the biological parent — for example, an adoption decree if you are an adoptive parent, or a guardianship order if you are a legal guardian. Programs ask for this because the account belongs to the child, and the program needs to know who has the legal right to manage it on their behalf.

Have these documents ready before you contact the program or visit in person. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from your state's vital records office — this usually takes one to four weeks, so plan ahead if you are working toward an enrollment important date.

Who manages the account while the child is young

A Trump Account is legally owned by the child, but a parent or guardian manages it until the child reaches the age of majority — usually 18 or 21, depending on your state. This means you make decisions about deposits, withdrawals, and how the money is invested while the child is under that age. The child cannot access or spend the money without your permission.

Once the child reaches the age of majority, control of the account transfers to them. They become the sole decision-maker about what happens to the money. Some programs offer a transition period where the young adult can learn about the account before taking full control, but the legal shift happens on the date they reach majority age.

What happens if your child was born in late 2024

A child born in December 2024 or November 2024 is still born before 2025 and should be within the age window for account opening. The program does not care whether the child is one month old or ten years old — what matters is whether they fall within the program's age range (usually birth through age 17) and whether enrollment is currently open.

If you have a newborn or very young child, opening an account early gives you the most time to build savings before the child reaches majority age. Some programs also offer incentive deposits or matching contributions for early savers, so opening sooner can mean more money in the account over time.

What to do if enrollment is closed in your state

If you contact your state's Trump Account program and learn that enrollment is currently closed, ask three things: when enrollment is expected to reopen, whether there is a waitlist you can join, and whether there are other child savings programs in your state that are currently accepting accounts.

Some states run multiple child savings programs, and one may be open even if the Trump Account program is not. Your state's department of education or department of financial services can usually tell you what options exist. You can also call 211 (a free referral service) and ask about child savings programs in your area — they may know about programs you have not found yet.

How the account works once it is open

Once the account is open, you can deposit money whenever you choose. Some programs allow deposits through direct transfer from your bank account, some accept checks, and some accept cash deposits at partner locations. The money in the account usually earns interest or is invested in a way that helps it grow over time.

You can withdraw money from the account, though some programs limit how often you can withdraw or charge a fee for withdrawals. The rules vary by program, so ask about withdrawal policies when you open the account. Some programs also restrict what the money can be used for — for example, some require that withdrawals go toward education, housing, or starting a business — so understand those rules before you deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number for my child to open a Trump Account?

Most programs require a Social Security number or allow you to explore for one as part of the account-opening process. If your child does not have a number yet, you can obtain one from the Social Security Administration using the child's birth certificate and your ID. The process usually takes a few weeks.

Can I open a Trump Account if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Rules vary by state and program. Some programs require the account holder (the child) to have a Social Security number, which typically requires citizenship or legal residency. Others may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Contact your state program directly to ask what documentation they accept.

What happens to the money if my child turns 18 before I finish saving?

The account transfers to your child's control when they reach the age of majority, usually 18. The money remains in the account and belongs to them. They can then decide what to do with it — withdraw it, keep it invested, or use it for the purposes the program allows. You no longer have control over the account once they reach majority age.

Can I open a Trump Account for a child I am fostering?

This depends on your state's rules and your legal relationship to the child. If you are the legal guardian, you usually can open an account. If you are a foster parent without guardianship, you may need the child's parent or legal guardian to open the account, or you may need to become the legal guardian first. Ask your state's program and your child welfare agency what applies to your situation.

Is there a fee to open or maintain a Trump Account?

Most Trump Account programs do not charge a fee to open an account or to hold money in it. However, some programs may charge a fee for certain services, like withdrawals or account transfers. Ask about all fees when you contact the program, so you know the full cost of opening and maintaining the account.