Abby McCloskey, Dallas Morning News, December 14, 2025

“It’s not often that Texas voluntarily adds to a federal spending program. But that’s exactly what Dan Patrick is proposing to do. It’s not without merits. Or downsides.

The groundwork was laid this summer. The congressional reconciliation package included a provision to create “Trump Accounts” awarded to families with new babies. These would be invested in the stock market, with funds locked up until the child turns 18.

The federal government will seed Trump Accounts with $1,000 for every American child born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, the limited time frame capping costs and aligning with the time President Donald Trump is in office. Family, friends and employers can contribute up to $5,000 a year per child as well.

Already, Texans are jumping in to supersize the idea.”