Trump offers Susan Dell ‘complete and total endorsement’ after surprise Oval Office moment

Trump Accounts allow up to $5,000 in annual contributions for children under 18, with access to funds at age 18 under IRA rules
Susan Dell joined Michael Dell and Donald Trump at the White House to promote Trump Accounts after their $6.25 billion pledge for children (Getty Images)
Susan Dell joined Michael Dell and Donald Trump at the White House to promote Trump Accounts after their $6.25 billion pledge for children (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Susan Dell joined her billionaire husband, Michael Dell, and President Donald Trump at the White House to promote Trump Accounts for American children.

During the October 7 meeting, Susan spoke about the emotional messages the couple had received from families benefiting from their $6.25 billion pledge, prompting Trump to joke about her running for office.

The appearance put Susan in the spotlight as the couple shared an update on their massive donation, which is intended to fund investment accounts for millions of children across the country.



Susan Dell promotes Trump Accounts at White House

Michael Dell, 61, told Trump that the couple had already funded 10 million children's accounts as of the morning of October 7, with the remaining accounts expected to be funded by the end of that week.

"I'm very pleased to let you know today that we have funded 10 million of those accounts as of this morning," Michael said. "By the end of this week we will have funded 25 million of those accounts."

He also encouraged families to take advantage of the program, saying, "$250 is just the beginning. If you have a child under 18 with a social security number you should claim your account."

Standing beside her husband, Susan, 60, nodded and smiled as he spoke. After Michael finished, Trump quietly asked her whether she had anything to add.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell look on during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on October 07, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump announced that automatic enrollment in the $1,000 government seed deposit for children born between 2025 and 2028 known as
Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell look on during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on October 07, 2026 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Susan then addressed the families who had reached out to the couple after their contribution began reaching children's accounts.

"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," she said.

She explained that the messages had given the couple a glimpse into the hopes families had for their children's futures.

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

The couple had also heard from parents and grandparents who appreciated knowing that an investment was being made in their children's futures.

"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," she added.

Susan ended her remarks with a direct appeal to families, saying, "Please claim your child's account. These accounts are ready and they're waiting for you and they have money in them."

Trump endorses Susan Dell for office

Susan's remarks prompted a lighthearted response from Trump, who appeared impressed by her delivery.

"What a good job.. Michael, is she thinking about running for office?" the president joked after she finished speaking.

A laughing Susan placed her hand on Trump's shoulder as Michael also laughed and replied, "no." Trump then took the joke further, offering his support if she ever decided to enter politics.

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: (L-R) Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. President Donald Trump, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell, and Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner look on during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on October 07, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump announced that automatic enrollment in the $1,000 government seed deposit for children born between 2025 and 2028 known as
L-R) Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, President Donald Trump, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell, and Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner look on during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on October 07, 2026 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

"I'll endorse her immediately," he said while laughing. "She has my complete and total endorsement."

The exchange brought a playful moment to the White House meeting, which centered on the couple's financial commitment to the children's investment program.

Susan and Michael had previously visited the White House in December 2025, when they announced their $6.25 billion pledge to fund Trump Accounts.

Trump Accounts offer investment funds for children

Trump Accounts were introduced as part of Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The investment and retirement accounts are designed for American children under the age of 18.

Under the program's rules, contributions are capped at $5,000 per year.

Recipients do not gain ownership of the funds until they turn 18, when withdrawals can be made under standard individual retirement account (IRA) rules.

The White House previously claimed that an account could grow to as much as $1.9 million by the time a child turns 28 if it is fully funded and left untouched.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Sept 28, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, September 28, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The projection highlights the potential long-term value of investing early, although the eventual amount would depend on the account's performance and funding.

The Dells' December 2025 pledge was intended to fund accounts for 25 million children, making their contribution a major part of the initiative. Michael's October update indicated that the couple was nearing that target.

The couple previously told The Associated Press that they believed their $6.25 billion commitment was the largest individual private pledge made to children in the United States.

Michael and Susan Dell expand US philanthropy

Michael Dell, the founder and chief executive of Dell Technologies, is currently worth more than $280 billion, according to Forbes.

His wealth has also allowed him and Susan to make substantial charitable commitments over the years.

Susan told The New York Times in December 2025 that she and her husband had donated $3 billion over the previous 26 years.

The newspaper noted that their Trump Accounts contribution would place them among the nation's leading philanthropists.

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