US President Donald Trump has publicly thanked SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell and her husband, Robert. This comes after the couple pledged SpaceX stock valued at about $325 million to support Trump Accounts, a government-backed investment programme for children. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the donation would help thousands of children and described the contribution as being “greatly appreciated by all.”Earlier this week, Shotwell announced that she and her husband would donate a portion of their SpaceX holdings to fund Trump Accounts for more than two million children across the US. Although she did not specify the donation amount, the stock was estimated at $320 million to $325 million when it was announced.
Donald Trump thanks Gwynne Shotwell and Robert for SpaceX stock donation
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “Thank you to the brilliant and highly respected Gwynne Shotwell, and her husband, Robert, for their extreme Generosity in helping children to attain the ever magnificent American Dream! Their Gift of 325 Million Dollars of SpaceX Stock is greatly appreciated by all. Thousands of children have just been given a better life. Thank you Gwynne and Robert, and continued Great Success! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”At the latest closing price of $148 per share, the donated stock was valued at approximately $296 million, reflecting a decline in SpaceX’s share price since the announcement earlier in the week.Shotwell’s contribution makes her one of the largest publicly known individual contributors to Trump Accounts. She serves as President of SpaceX and is widely regarded as Elon Musk’s second-in-command at the aerospace company.
The donation will support Trump Accounts for children
Trump Accounts are government-backed investment accounts introduced for eligible American children. Under the programme, every US citizen born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, receives a one-time $1,000 seed investment from the US Treasury after enrolment by a parent or guardian.Families can also contribute up to $5,000 each year, with the funds invested in a broad US stock market index fund. The money becomes available when the child reaches adulthood and can be used for purposes such as higher education, purchasing a first home or starting a business.According to Shotwell’s announcement, her donation is intended for more than two million children ages 11 to 17 living in lower-income communities, with additional focus on areas near the couple’s home in central Texas.The donation follows another major contribution to the programme by Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, who previously committed billions of dollars towards Trump Accounts. Trump had also said last week that he expected Elon Musk would contribute SpaceX stock to the initiative, although neither Trump nor Musk has publicly confirmed whether such a donation has been made.