Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Jul 7
Shotwell Pledges $320 Million in SpaceX Shares to 2 Million Trump Accounts
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Jul 7

Shotwell Pledges $320 Million in SpaceX Shares to 2 Million Trump Accounts

3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Jul 7

Summary

  • 2 million SpaceX shares—worth about $320 million at roughly $160 each—would go to Trump Accounts for more than 2 million children under Gwynne Shotwell's July 6 pledge.
  • Shotwell said the stock gift from her and her husband would target children in lower-income areas, with extra emphasis near their central Texas home.
  • The pledge adds to a new federal program launched July 4 that gives children born from 2025 to 2028 a $1,000 government seed deposit, while parents can add up to $5,000 a year.
  • Other wealthy backers are also funding the accounts: Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion, Ray Dalio is covering about 300,000 Connecticut children, and Elon Musk's contribution remains undisclosed.

Insights

With SpaceX losing billions on its AI venture, is its stock a secure long-term investment for children?
Can high-profile stock donations actually solve the space industry's critical shortage of skilled engineers?