Featured in The American Spectator

President Trump’s launch of Trump Accounts represents a promising forward-thinking pro-family and pro-growth initiative for the American people. These new tax-advantaged investment accounts for children give every eligible American kid a literal stake in the success of our economy from day one. With a government-seeded $1,000 contribution and the ability for families to add more, these accounts are invested in low-cost, broad U.S. stock market ETFs. 

While the focus on cost is understandable, these accounts are managed by firms whose policies and priorities do not align with the values of politically conservative investors. Investors should have access to a broader range of options, including investment solutions that reflect their personal values, allowing them to make choices that align with both their financial objectives and their principles.

The goal is clear: build long-term wealth, promote financial literacy, and reinforce the timeless truth that ownership and participation in American capitalism are the surest paths to prosperity.

This is exactly the kind of bold, optimistic policy that puts America First in the most practical way possible. Instead of expanding dependency or pitting generations against each other, Trump Accounts empower parents to give their children a head start in building real assets. Over time, compounding growth in America’s leading companies can turn small seeds into meaningful legacies; funding education, homes, businesses, or retirement. It teaches kids early that the free market rewards innovation, hard work, and patience. In an era when many young people feel disconnected from economic opportunity, this program reconnects them directly to the engine of American success. Who couldn’t love this? 

That said, there is one aspect of the rollout that deserves honest scrutiny. The Treasury Department selected ETFs from State Street and BlackRock (alongside Vanguard) as the primary vehicles, with State Street’s SPYM Portfolio S&P 500 ETF serving as the initial default. While these are low-cost index products that deliver broad market exposure, both State Street and BlackRock have earned well-deserved reputations as “woke” corporate giants deeply invested in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies and ESG frameworks.

These firms have repeatedly used shareholder influence and corporate resources to advance progressive social agendas from pushing racial and gender quotas to climate scoring that disadvantages traditional American energy producers and favors companies aligned with left-leaning priorities. Their track records show a pattern of prioritizing political signaling over pure shareholder returns and American economic strength. Handing the default investment flows of a signature “America First” program to institutions with such histories feels inconsistent at best. It risks subtly undermining the very values of merit, energy independence, and national pride that the Trump Accounts initiative is meant to champion.

The good news is that Americans who care about aligning their investments with conservative or faith-based principles have real alternatives. A robust and growing selection of ETFs now exists for investors who want to avoid companies involved in activities that conflict with traditional values. They would be good candidates for inclusion in Trump accounts

Parents, grandparents, and policymakers who support Trump Accounts should continue advocating for even greater choice within the program, or at minimum, transparency so families can understand exactly where their children’s money is going. In the meantime, those building wealth outside the accounts have excellent options that prioritize faith, family, and American principles over corporate activism.

Trump Accounts are a powerful step toward securing America’s future by investing in its youngest citizens. The core idea is sound and inspiring. Refining the execution, particularly the choice of stewards will make this initiative even stronger and more consistent with the vision of an America that rewards excellence, faith, and freedom. The next generation deserves nothing less.

Tom Carter is the President and Co-Founder of The American Conservative Values ETF (ACVF), an actively managed, diversified large-cap ETF that is dual listed on the NYSE and NYSE Texas. Learn more at https://investconservative.com/

Questions Investors Are Asking

• Which ETFs were selected as the default investments for Trump Accounts?
• Why are conservatives criticizing BlackRock and State Street’s role in Trump Accounts?
• Are there conservative or faith-based ETF alternatives to BlackRock and State Street?
• Can families choose which ETF their child’s Trump Account invests in?

The views expressed are those of the authors as of 7/16/26 and are subject to change without notice. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of results, or investment advice.