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Business & Finance · October 19, 2026

Why Elon Musk, Anthropic and other AI titans are giving away shares

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Elon Musk announced plans on social media to donate one SpaceX share to every child in the United States, a move estimated to involve approximately 72 million children and valued at roughly $10.5 billion. The announcement followed a similar pledge by AI startup Anthropic to commit 5% of its shares to a new 'public benefit' fund. Musk's proposal would likely utilize 'Trump Accounts,' a newly established government program providing tax-advantaged investment vehicles for children born between 2025 and 2028. While Musk has not provided specific details on distribution, the move comes amid his becoming the largest donor in the 2026 midterm election cycle.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • Elon Musk plans to give one SpaceX share to every child in the U.S.
  • There are approximately 72 million children under the age of 18 in the U.S.
  • The estimated value of the gift is approximately $10.5 billion based on recent stock prices.
  • Anthropic announced a commitment of 5% of its shares to a 'public benefit' fund.
  • Musk is currently the world's richest person with a net worth of approximately $904 billion.
  • Musk has donated over $276 million to Republican groups during the 2026 midterm cycle.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Only children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, are currently eligible for the government-seeded Trump Accounts.
  • Musk holds a 48.4% beneficial stake in SpaceX when including unvested awards and options.
  • SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell previously pledged $320 million to 2 million children via Trump Accounts.
  • The Treasury Department is automatically enrolling up to 60 million children in the Trump Accounts program.
  • Anthropic's fund includes a provision to add 2% more shares for every 50% increase in company value.

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CadNews does not determine absolute truth or endorse political viewpoints. It compares publicly available reporting, identifies shared facts, highlights framing differences, and flags uncertainty.