Elon Musk says he plans to give U.S. children some of the company shares he owns through Trump Accounts, but has not identified the company, the number of shares or when a distribution might happen. His comments come after Anthropic announced a public-benefit fund that would receive part of the company’s equity, renewing questions about how private-company shares could be allocated to the public.
Musk made the pledge on X in response to a discussion in which a user suggested giving SpaceX shares to American children. He agreed with the proposal, but as of October 19 had not confirmed that SpaceX would be involved or said whether any distribution plan was being put in motion.
Anthropic fund would receive shares equal to 5% of the company
Anthropic announced the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund on October 18. The company said the fund, a wholly owned entity, would initially receive shares equal to 5% of Anthropic’s equity, subject to shareholder approval.
Based on the $965 billion valuation Anthropic received in May, that stake would be worth about $48.25 billion. Its value could change if the company’s shares begin trading. The fund’s board may also allocate up to an additional 2% of shares each time the company’s value rises by 50% above a set benchmark.
Anthropic said that, including commitments from its founders and employees, about 20% of the company’s shares are currently earmarked for public-benefit projects. Planned uses include direct payments to the public and research into AI’s effects on the labor market.
Musk favors direct distribution to the public
Musk has criticized Anthropic’s fund-based approach, arguing that shares should go directly to the public rather than first being placed under a charitable fund. He later said he would also distribute shares to the public, prompting the suggestion that Trump Accounts could be used for the purpose.
Trump Accounts are federal investment accounts for U.S. children. Eligible newborns can receive a $1,000 government deposit, and the White House says 70 million children have registered so far. Donors may contribute shares in individual companies; recipients may be required to hold those shares for at least five years.
If Musk uses the accounts, the recipients, holding period, eligibility, tax treatment and regulatory arrangements will depend on the final proposal and account rules. So far, he has stated an intention but has not specified the company, share count, valuation method or timing. For investors, the comments remain a personal pledge, not an announced share issuance or transfer plan.