Michael Dell, the billionaire founder of Dell Technologies, has defended his wife after online critics targeted her appearance during a recent visit to the White House.
Dell, 61, spoke out in support of Susan Dell, 62, after the couple’s trip to Washington, DC, prompted a wave of hostile comments on social media.
The couple were in the capital to promote their $6.25 billion contribution to a program that will provide American newborns with $250 investment accounts.
“To every child across the country, these accounts are for you. We believe in you,” Susan said while highlighting the “tax-advantaged investment accounts” available to children under 18 with a Social Security number.
Photos and video clips from the visit quickly spread online, but much of the attention focused on criticism of Susan’s appearance.
‘The Dell family gave 7 billion dollars directly to American children. And instead of gratitude, there’s much discussion of a 62 year old woman’s looks,’ conservative commentator Mike Cernovich wrote on X.
Other defenses surfaced in the replies, including two shared by Dell himself: One pointed out how they had signed up their own youngsters for the initiative, which was announced by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation last year.
Michael Dell, the founder of Dell computers, and his wife Susan visited the White House last week to promote a savings initiative for children backed by his fortune
Several social media users focused on 62-year-old Susan Dell’s appearance and accused her of having cosmetic work done. Dell, 61, reshared multiple replies criticizing the online reaction on Sunday
‘Out of the blue $250 showed up from Dell for both of my boys. I will go out of my way to support them now, who else has done what they did? No one…’ the poster wrote in a reply to another X account that condemned criticism of Susan’s looks.
“It’s truly insane how evil and full of themselves people are.”
Another added: ‘My grandson got 250 dollars in his Trump account from Susan Dell. Please leave that woman alone.’
Dell – who founded Dell at 19 with $1,000 in his pocket – reshared both, while also sharing emojis to indicate thanks.
President Trump’s son Eric also condemned the backlash, writing on X: “People are awful. Susan and Michael Dell just put $6.25 billion into Trump Accounts for 25 million kids so they’ll have something waiting for them when they grow up—one of, if not the largest private donation in American history.”
“The response? Vicious attacks on her.”
“It’s truly insane how evil and full of themselves people are,” one poster wrote. The $6.25 billion pledge, combined with taxpayer money, will help fund “Trump” savings accounts for children, the couple confirmed during a meeting with the president on Wednesday
KEEP READING: Online Marketplace Jewelry Listing Linked to Armed Robbery in Affluent Tennessee City
“I’m tired of this nonsense. Very few people have done more for philanthropy. It’s disgusting and it has to stop.”
“Susan, on behalf of the overwhelming majority of people in this nation: Thank you!! You are incredible!”
Michael Dell went on to share several examples of fanmail the family had already received – all penned in the unmistakable style of children.
“Dear Dell Family, thank you for the money in my Trump bank account. I’m very glad to be saving for my future,” one handwritten message read.
“I’m grateful for the money you added to my Trump account. Thank you for helping me save for my future,” another message, written by an eight-year-old girl in Arizona, said.
The couple’s $6.25 billion pledge is helping fund the so-called “Trump Accounts,” which are also supported by American taxpayers.
Dell shared letters from children who have already benefited from the contribution as supporters continued to respond on Monday
Michael and Susan Dell met on a blind date in 1988, during the early years of Dell’s company, which is now valued at nearly $400 billion.
They married the following year and have four children: daughters Alexa, Kira and Juliette, and son Zachary.
Michael Dell’s personal fortune is now estimated at about $300 billion, according to recent Forbes figures.
His wife served on President George W Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, which aimed to promote active, healthy lifestyles for all Americans.
Children who have accounts cannot access the funds until they turn 18.
The couple are seen together at George W. Bush’s inaugural ball in 2001. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation was started in 1999
Once they do, there are strict restrictions on what the money can be used for, like purchasing a home or paying for school.
‘They’re putting up a lot of money,’ Trump said of the Dells’ efforts in July.
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation was started in 1999.