Trump Considers Australian Superannuation Model too Address Declining Birth Rate
Washington D.C. – United States President Donald Trump has expressed interest in adopting a system similar to Australia‘s superannuation scheme as a potential solution to the nation’s declining birth rate. He described the Australian plan as “a good plan” that has ”worked out very well” and stated his governance is “looking at it very seriously.”
The announcement came alongside the unveiling of a meaningful $6.25 billion (approximately $9.5 billion AUD) donation from michael and Susan Dell of Dell Technologies. This donation will fund investment accounts for children, building upon the existing “Trump Accounts” program.
The “Trump Accounts” program provides $1,000 (approximately $1,520 AUD) to children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, to be accessed upon reaching the age of 18. The Dell donation will supplement this with a $250 (approximately $380 AUD) gift for 25 million children under 11 from households with a median income below $150,000 (approximately $228,000 AUD) per year. These accounts are available to all American children with a Social Security number.
Trump indicated the Australian model, a mandatory retirement savings system, was being considered for working-age adults, though he offered no specific details. The US currently has a voluntary retirement savings scheme known as 401(k)s.
Australia’s superannuation system is the world’s fourth-largest pension pool, with significant investments in the United States. treasurer Jim Chalmers recently promoted the scheme to US audiences, a move some analysts believe was linked to negotiations regarding tariffs.
The administration’s interest in both the Dell donation and a potential superannuation-style system reflects a broader effort to address demographic challenges and encourage family growth,a trend seen in other developed nations.
