SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed he plans to give every child in America one of his company shares next year.
The 55-year-old tech mogul made the shocking announcement on Monday, October 19, in a brief post on X.
“Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America. This will be the first of many,” Musk wrote, but did not explain how the giveaway would work or provide further details.
Elon Musk Pledges SpaceX Shares to Kids
The pledge arrived shortly after artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced its plan to commit 5% of its shares to a new “public benefit” fund.
“We’re committing a portion of Anthropic’s shares to the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund, a new wholly owned entity dedicated entirely to the public benefit,” the company announced in a post on X shared on Sunday, October 18. “It will start off with 5% of our shares. For every 50% increase in the company’s value over a set baseline, we can contribute up to an extra 2%, subject to our board’s discretion.”
In response to the post, Musk wrote, “I recommend giving the shares directly to the public.”
SpaceX shares reportedly climbed about 8% in extended trading on Tuesday after the company reported 161% revenue growth for the third quarter, beating Wall Street estimates, with its artificial intelligence business growing ninefold.
As of July 1, 2025, there were about 72 million children under 18 in the U.S., according to official census data.
If Musk gives away SpaceX shares, that would amount to approximately $10.5 billion worth of shares, considering the company’s closing stock price of $146.03 as of Friday.
Elon Musk’s Announcement Draws Mixed Reaction
Following Musk’s post, Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner, founder of Invest America and Trump Accounts, praised the move in a post on X.
“Incredible Elon!” he wrote. “This will be the largest philanthropic gift in history! 70 M accounts – every citizen under 18 & every child born forevermore now has a free, lifetime investment acct making them an owner in the upside of America & our greatest companies!”
Several people took to the comments to weigh in on Musk’s pledge.
Someone wrote, “This is a re-founding moment for America. Defending the magic formula of the last 250 yrs through universal direct, private ownership…”
Another commented, “What an incredible way to inspire our children to dream big and reach for the stars @elonmusk.”
Someone shared, “Honestly why has no one else ever thought of this? American companies investing in our children? That’s a non partisan win.”
Elon Musk Says He Wants to Give Every Child in America a Share of SpaceX