Gov. Little joins First Lady Melania Trump to launch foster youth savings initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little joined First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Thursday to support a new initiative she launched "Fostering The Future Accounts".

The program would allow states to establish savings and investment accounts for children in foster care.

"Idaho is proud to support this initiative. Every young person deserves the tools to succeed, achieve independence, and pursue the American Dream." said Governor Little in a statement.

According to the Office of the First Lady, the accounts are designed to give foster youth access to long-term savings opportunities similar to those available to other children.

First Lady Melania Trump announced the initiative alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and a bipartisan group of governors.

The program follows new federal guidance allowing state, territorial and tribal child welfare agencies to open and manage investment accounts on behalf of children in foster care.

Trump said the accounts are intended to help foster youth build assets and financial independence before reaching adulthood.

"Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child," Trump said in a statement.

The initiative is part of the First Lady's broader Fostering the Future effort, which focuses on improving outcomes for children and families involved in the foster care system.

In addition to Idaho, governors from 22 other states have pledged support for the program.