The White House Council of Economic Advisers has projected a $35 billion annual GDP increase if 401(k) holders are allowed to invest in private equity. This projection, detailed in an August 2025 report, assumes a 20% shift of retirement assets into private markets. With 401(k) plans holding $10.5 trillion in assets as of 2023, even a modest reallocation could significantly impact the market. This initiative follows an executive order by President Trump in August 2025, promoting access to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies, in retirement portfolios. The US Department of Labor proposed a rule on March 30, 2026, offering a "safe harbor" for fiduciaries who include such assets, provided they adhere to risk-assessment guidelines. However, critics warn of the risks associated with illiquid and volatile private markets, particularly for retirees needing predictable access to funds.