Employees could use 401(k)s to invest in crypto, private equity under Trump plan

A Labor Department proposal would allow more retirement investment in “alternative assets,” a win for Wall Street that critics say is risky for investors.

Employees could use their workplace retirement plans to invest in [cryptocurrencies](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/07/17/house-passes-first-major-regulation-crypto-industry/), [private equity](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/24/child-care-costs-private-equity-investigation/) and other “alternative assets” under a proposal released Monday by the Trump administration.

The plan is a victory for Wall Street, which has lobbied for wider access to these products, many of which have long been the domain of the wealthy and large institutional investors like pension funds and insurance companies.

The comments express strong skepticism and criticism towards investing retirement savings in cryptocurrencies and private equity, particularly when associated with Donald Trump. Many commenters view these investments as highly risky, likening them to gambling or scams.