Trump announces 401(k) for all: ‘We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year’

Fortune

by Amanda Gerut, Nick Lichtenberg

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Donald Trump announced a sweeping economic proposal during his State of the Union address, offering a new government-matched 401(k) plan for American workers who currently lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Under this initiative, the federal government would match worker contributions up to $1,000 annually, extending financial security to millions of "forgotten" Americans. Trump emphasized that these individuals, who have historically been excluded from such benefits, would now enjoy the same retirement planning tools as federal employees. The proposal also drew attention for its broader implications on workplace financial security and inequality. By addressing the gap in retirement savings for freelancers, gig economy workers, and others without employer matches, Trump's plan aims to provide a safety net for those previously overlooked by traditional retirement systems. However, questions remain about the program's feasibility, including how it would be funded and administered. In addition to his retirement proposal, Trump called on Congress to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act, which would restrict members of Congress from trading individual stocks. This move came after years of scrutiny over legislative stock trading practices, with critics arguing that such behavior undermines public trust in government officials. While polls show strong bipartisan support for curbing insider trading among lawmakers, implementing these reforms has proven challenging. The proposal highlights Trump's focus on economic populism and ethical reform, particularly as his administration faces ongoing questions about financial transparency and market manipulation. By addressing both retirement security and legislative ethics, Trump seeks to position himself as a champion for everyday Americans while tackling issues that have long plagued Washington.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/25/2026