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President Donald Trump has announced a new plan that could change how Americans invest their retirement savings. He wants to make it easier for people to use their 401k accounts to invest in things like cryptocurrencies, private equity, real estate, gold, and other alternative assets. On Thursday, Trump ordered government regulators to review and possibly change rules that currently discourage employers from offering these types of investments in workplace retirement plans. The goal is to give everyday workers access to investment opportunities that have mostly been available only to wealthy individuals and big institutions. This move could also open up new sources of funding for companies in the crypto and private equity industries.

Most American workers do not have traditional pensions anymore. Instead, they save for retirement through 401k accounts, where they can put part of their paycheck into investments, and employers often add extra contributions. The government has rules to make sure that companies offering these accounts consider things like risk and cost. In the past, employers have avoided offering investments like private equity because they often have higher fees, fewer rules about sharing information, and can be harder to turn into cash quickly. Cryptocurrencies are also known for being very risky and changing in value quickly. Critics of Trump’s plan say that allowing these investments in retirement accounts could put savers at risk, especially if they do not fully understand the risks involved.

Trump’s order gives the Department of Labor 180 days to review the current rules. Experts say that even if changes are made, it will take time before workers see new investment options in their retirement accounts. Some big investment companies, such as State Street and Vanguard, have already started working with alternative asset managers like Apollo Global and Blackstone to create new retirement funds focused on private equity. Trump himself has business interests in companies related to crypto and investment accounts. The Department of Labor had previously warned companies to be extremely careful before adding crypto to retirement account options. During Trump’s first term, the Department of Labor tried to encourage retirement plans to invest in private equity, but concerns about lawsuits kept most companies from doing so, and President Joe Biden later reversed that guidance.

Supporters of Trump’s plan say it could help workers grow their retirement savings by giving them more choices. However, critics warn that these new options could be risky and hard for regular people to understand. It will be important for workers to learn about these investments and think carefully before making changes to their retirement accounts. The Department of Labor will spend the next six months reviewing the rules and talking to experts. Any changes will take time to put into place, so workers should continue to educate themselves about their retirement options and make smart decisions for their future.