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Tech billionaire Elon Musk has announced plans to give every child in the United States a share in his rocket company, SpaceX, beginning next year.
Musk, described as the world’s richest man, made the announcement on Monday through his X account, although he did not provide details about how the proposed distribution would work or how the shares would be allocated.
“Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every kid in America,” Musk wrote.
“This will be the first of many,” he added, suggesting that the proposed initiative could be followed by further distributions.
The announcement has drawn attention because of the potential scale of the proposed giveaway, with approximately 73 million children under the age of 18 living in the United States, according to 2024 data from the US Census Bureau.
Uncertainty surrounds proposed giveaway
Despite the announcement, Musk did not explain whether the shares would be distributed directly to children, held in trust until they reach adulthood or provided through another arrangement.
Questions also remain about eligibility, the total number of shares involved, the value of the proposed distribution and the legal and administrative framework for implementing the plan.
According to Forbes, Musk owns approximately 38 per cent of SpaceX, the private aerospace company developing rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government missions.
However, the billionaire has not disclosed how much of his stake would be committed to the proposed scheme or whether the plan would involve newly issued shares or a transfer of his existing holdings.
Until further details are released, the announcement remains a pledge rather than a fully explained distribution programme.
Announcement follows Trump’s cash promise
Musk’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump reportedly promised last month to give every American adult $5,000 if his Republican Party retains control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
The two announcements have attracted attention because of their proposed benefits for large sections of the American population, although the plans differ in structure and the form of the proposed benefits.
While Trump’s pledge involves a cash payment to adults, Musk’s proposal centres on equity ownership in a private company.
Further details would be needed to establish how either proposal would be funded and implemented.
SpaceX expands amid major milestones
Musk’s announcement comes as SpaceX continues to attract attention for its role in the global space industry and its ambitions to develop reusable rockets capable of supporting missions to the Moon and Mars.
The company has become a major player in commercial spaceflight through its rocket launches, satellite internet business and contracts to transport cargo and astronauts.
Its Starship programme is central to Musk’s long-term ambition to make human travel to Mars possible. The spacecraft and rocket system is being developed for missions involving the transport of people and cargo beyond Earth.
The proposed giveaway could place SpaceX ownership in the hands of millions of American children if implemented as announced.
However, the practical details of the scheme, including how the shares would be distributed and managed, remain undisclosed.
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