The Trump administration has put forward new rules that would make it easier for 401(k) retirement plans to include alternative assets like virtual currencies, real estate, and private market investments.
The Department of Labor (DOL) announced these rules aimed at expanding investment options for 401(k) plans after President Trump signed an executive order last August instructing the DOL and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to enhance asset growth in these retirement plans.
“This proposed regulation shows how plans can look at products that are more in line with today’s investment climate,” stated DOL Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer.
“This rule marks an initial step towards implementing the Executive Order safely and responsibly, while taking into account the need to protect retirement assets and broadening access to more retirement options for millions of Americans. The Treasury is grateful for the DOL’s collaboration and looks forward to further discussions as this rulemaking process unfolds,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
According to the Trump Strategy Office:
Promises made and promises kept. President Trump reaffirms his commitment to working Americans through this new proposal. @USDOL This rule prioritizes Americans and ensures that individuals saving through 401(k) plans can access private market investments. It emphasizes freedom and fairness, placing control with American workers to secure their financial future.
Supporters argue that adding alternative investment options to 401(k) plans could lead to better diversification and potentially higher returns. However, some financial advisors express concerns that many investors may lack the knowledge needed to navigate these asset classes.
David Pash, Executive Director of the Council for Safe and Secure Retirement, said in a statement to Breitbart News, “We commend the DOL for progressing President Trump’s executive order to broaden retirement investment options for American workers. This is an essential step towards eliminating the barriers that have prevented access. Today is significant in expanding access for working families to benefit from the same options while still upholding strong fiduciary protections. We already offer 401(k) accounts.”
“This change is overdue. There are many Americans still behind on their retirement savings while the wealthy continue to increase their fortunes. The Trump administration aims to ensure American workers and retirees are safeguarded and capable of building wealth,” remarked the Council for a Safe and Secure Retirement regarding efforts to introduce alternative assets into retirement accounts.
While 401(k) plans aren’t strictly prohibited from including these alternative assets, DOL officials indicate that many worry about lawsuits linked to investment choices. The DOL’s proposed rule would introduce a safe harbor provision to protect retirement plan providers from litigation.
Back in June, Fabrizio Ward, a prominent pollster for Trump, found that 87% of Trump supporters favored expanding investment options within retirement accounts.
In May 2025, the Trump administration rolled back guidelines set by the Biden administration that restricted employers from offering crypto-related investment opportunities to their employees. A poll conducted in December 2025 revealed that 65% of voters supported the idea of including alternative assets in retirement plans.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer mentioned that President Biden has sought to “tilt the scales” against Americans who might want to invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
“It’s crucial that investment decisions are made by fiduciaries rather than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.,” Chavez Delemer expressed at that time.
