The short answer: Pomp thinks it should. On the October 29, 2026 episode he challenged Anthropic to put shares straight into children's Invest America (Trump) accounts, the way Elon Musk and Michael Dell have pledged to, rather than into a company-controlled fund. Anthropic's S-1 says it has issued shares equal to 5% of the company to its own Public Benefit Fund.
Drawing on The Pomp Podcast, hosted by Anthony Pompliano (anthonypompliano.com), in which Polina Pompliano, founder of The Profile, interviewed Pomp (episode released October 29, 2026).
Anthropic says it wants the public to benefit from its success. Pomp is skeptical of how. In a conversation with Polina Pompliano, who had just written about the man who chairs Anthropic's Long-Term Benefit Trust, Pomp argued that a stake controlled by the company "sounds a lot like power accumulation," and offered an alternative.
What is Anthropic's Public Benefit Fund?
According to its S-1, Anthropic has issued Class N shares equal to 5% of its fully diluted shares to the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary. The board may add up to 2% more each time the stock rises 50% above the prior milestone, starting from the IPO price, per MicroVentures. The Profile reports that Neil "Buddy" Shah is one of the fund's initial managers.
On the show, Pomp described it as Anthropic planning to "take five to 20% of your company" and "put it in this public beneficiary thing." The filing confirms 5% today. Whether it ever reaches 20% depends on future share-price milestones and board decisions.
Why is Pomp skeptical?
Control. "They want to take it and they basically want to put it to the public benefit, but they're going to be in control of it. Well, that sounds a lot like power accumulation to me," he said. His questions: "Who's in charge of it? Why do they get to make the decisions? How are you going to allocate the capital?"
What did Elon Musk and Michael Dell do?
Elon Musk said on October 19, 2026 that he will give one SpaceX share to every child in the U.S. next year. CNBC estimated that at about $10.5 billion, and Invest America founder Brad Gerstner said the shares would go into Trump Accounts. It has been announced, not yet distributed.
Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to put $250 into the Trump Accounts of 25 million children, according to Reuters. Pomp described it as "five plus billion dollars."
Pomp likes that these gifts go straight to individuals: "You're not giving it to an NGO that invites you to a gala." Gerstner called Musk's pledge potentially "the largest philanthropic gift in history," a description Pomp repeated. See What Is SpaceX?
What are Trump Accounts?
Trump Accounts, also known as Invest America or 530A accounts, are a new type of investment account for U.S. children under 18 with a Social Security number. The Treasury began automatically enrolling eligible children on October 1, 2026, according to the IRS. Donated stock comes with strings: families generally cannot sell it until the earlier of five years or the end of the year the child turns 17, CNBC reported. Pomp's description that a kid "can do whatever they want when they turn 18" glosses over those rules.
What exactly is Pomp asking Anthropic to do?
"I challenge Anthropic to take the shares and give it direct to the kids," he said. "Adults don't need your shares. We all can go buy our shares on the stock market just like everybody else." He allowed that he may be wrong about their motives: "maybe I'm wrong and that's actually how they're thinking about it." But he wants them to "prove it with your actions, not your words." Anthropic has not responded publicly to the challenge.
Key takeaways
Anthropic's S-1 says it has issued 5% of its fully diluted shares to a company-owned Public Benefit Fund.
Pomp argues company control of that stake "sounds a lot like power accumulation."
He wants Anthropic to put shares directly into children's Trump Accounts instead.
Elon Musk has pledged one SpaceX share per U.S. child, about $10.5 billion. The Dells pledged $6.25 billion.
Donated stock in Trump Accounts generally can't be sold for five years or until the year the child turns 17.
Best quotes from this episode
"Well, that sounds a lot like power accumulation to me."
"So if you really wanted Americans to have a stake, then I challenge Anthropic to take the shares and give it direct to the kids."
"Adults don't need your shares."
"Then prove it with your actions, not your words."
FAQ
Its S-1 says it has issued 5% of its fully diluted shares to the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary, with room to add more as the stock rises.
What did Elon Musk pledge to children?
He said he will give one SpaceX share to every U.S. child next year, worth about $10.5 billion by CNBC's estimate, likely through Trump Accounts.
How much did Michael Dell give to Trump Accounts?
Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to put $250 into the accounts of 25 million children.
Why does Pomp want Anthropic to give shares to kids?
He says giving shares directly avoids "bureaucracy, potential corruption," and keeps the company from controlling the stake it says is for the public.
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Disclosure: Anthony Pompliano is Chairman and CEO of Silvia, Inc (Nasdaq: SVIA). For educational purposes only; not financial advice.
Watch or listen to the full episode
Hear Pomp's challenge to Anthropic in full.
"My Biggest Bitcoin Regret Ever" with Anthony and Polina Pompliano, October 29, 2026. The discussion starts around the 19-minute mark.
Sources
About The Pomp Podcast
The Pomp Podcast is hosted by Anthony Pompliano and covers the future of business, finance and technology. The show features Pomp's conversations with founders, investors and economists about bitcoin, markets, AI and the economy. Follow The Pomp Podcast on X.
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This article reflects the opinions of the guests and host as shared on The Pomp Podcast. It is guest opinion, not investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decision.
