Few Employers Consider Offering Trump Accounts
With much news geared towards the newly minted Trump Accounts, new findings show that employers are choosing to monitor developments before taking action.
A poll conducted during Mercer’s Q1 DC Quarterly Webinar found that close to 16% of respondents plan to offer Trump Account funding options, whether that’s through pre-tax employee contributions or direct employer contributions, or are actively considering doing so.
Yet, over half said they do not expect to “take any action” with Trump Accounts, and 30% report feeling undecided.
Only a few who are planning to incorporate the program say they’ll start in the next year or two, with 4.9% of respondents anticipating implementation in 2026 and 1.9% looking at 2027. Rather, 35.9% say the timing will depend on further guidance from federal agencies, and over half (57.3%) are unsure when they’ll establish the program into their plans.
“These findings suggest that while immediate adoption is not widespread, Trump Account contribution programs are part of broader benefits discussions, making this an appropriate time for employers to monitor regulatory developments, assess employee interest, and evaluate whether future participation may align with their overall benefits strategy,” Mercer wrote in its report.
Created as a tax-preferred savings vehicle for children under the One Big Beautiful Act, Trump Accounts will begin accepting contributions from outside parties, including parents, extended family, employers, and qualifying organizations, on July 4. Contributions of up to $5,000 will be allowed each year per eligible child, with the intention of expanding savings for long-term needs and retirement.
Under the program, the federal government will provide a one-time $1,000 contribution to each eligible child born between 2025 and 2028.
Trump Accounts have gained wide attention in recent months, particularly from philanthropist organizations and industry titans pledging donations and contributions to the program, from the Dell Foundation and Ray Dalio to JPMorgan Chase.
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado.