With Donald Trump set to become the wealthiest president in U.S. history, we look back to see who were the richest ever occupants of the Oval Office. The United States has had many presidents, and some of them were much richer than others.
The wealthiest U.S. president was George Washington, who owned more than 60,000 acres of land and thousands of enslaved people. Other rich presidents include John F Kennedy, who inherited a large fortune from his father, and Bill Clinton, who made millions of dollars through book deals and speaking engagements after leaving office.
Despite their wealth, most U.S. presidents have led relatively modest lives. Many have come from humble beginnings and worked hard to make something of themselves. Abraham Lincoln, for example, was born in a log cabin and later became one of the most influential presidents in American history.
Some U.S. presidents have been criticized for their extravagant lifestyles and displays of wealth. For example, Ronald Reagan was often ridiculed for his love of expensive cars and jewelry.
The Richest U.S. Presidents
10. Herbert Hoover: $75 million
President Herbert Hoover was the wealthiest U.S. president of all time. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at $75 million. This is mainly due to his successful career in business before entering politics. He made his fortune as a mining engineer and financier.
Hoover’s considerable wealth allowed him to be independent of special interests and political donors during office. He was also able to provide for his wife and children after they passed away, which was uncommon for presidents.
9. Bill Clinton: $80 million
According to Forbes, President Bill Clinton is the wealthiest U.S. president in history, with $80 million. Clinton’s wealth comes from his many books, speaking engagements, and consulting work. After he left office, Clinton earned over $105 million from speeches alone. His wife, Hillary Clinton, is also quite wealthy, with a net worth of $45 million.
Other former presidents have been quite successful after their time in office. George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush both have a net worth of $40 million each. Jimmy Carter had a net worth of $7 million, while Ronald Reagan had $10 million.
8. Lyndon B. Johnson: $98 million
President Lyndon B. Johnson was the wealthiest U.S. president, with an estimated net worth of $98 million in 2013. He amassed his fortune through various business interests, including broadcasting and real estate holdings. After leaving office, Johnson used his wealth to establish the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation, which supports charitable causes in education and public policy.
7. James Madison: $101 million
President James Madison was the richest U.S. President, with a net worth of $101 million in today’s dollars. Madison’s wealth was primarily due to his ownership of Montpelier, his Virginia plantation. He also owned extensive land holdings and enslaved people.
Madison was followed by George Washington, who had a net worth of $525 million. Washington’s wealth came from his large landholdings and businesses, including Mount Vernon, Virginia plantation.
The third richest U.S. President was Andrew Jackson, with a net worth of $119 million. Jackson made his fortune in land speculation and enslaving people.
The fourth richest U.S. President was Theodore Roosevelt, with $125 million in today’s dollars.
6. Andrew Jackson: $119 million
President Andrew Jackson is the wealthiest U.S. president, with a net worth of $119 million. Most of his wealth comes from his ownership of the Hermitage, a large plantation in Tennessee. He also owned hundreds of enslaved people and several businesses.
President Jackson was born into poverty and worked his way up to become one of the richest men in America. He was a self-made man who believed in hard work and opportunity. Even though he was a wealthy man, he always remembered where he came from and stayed connected to the people of Tennessee.
5. Theodore Roosevelt: $125 million
Theodore Roosevelt is the 8th richest U.S. President, with a net worth of $125 million. He was born into a wealthy family and inherited his money after his father’s death. Roosevelt made most of his money through investments in natural resources and railroads. He also had a successful career as a politician and writer.
4. Thomas Jefferson: $212 million
President Thomas Jefferson was one of the wealthiest U.S. presidents regarding money. He was born into a wealthy family and inherited a lot of money from his father. He also made a lot of money from his businesses. As a result, President Jefferson had a net worth of $212 million (today’s dollars).
3. George Washington: $525 million
George Washington was the wealthiest U.S. president, with $525 million in 2013 dollars. Washington made his fortune in land speculation and whiskey production. His estate, Mount Vernon, is still a tourist destination today.
Washington’s closest competitor was Andrew Jackson, who had a net worth of $119 million in 2013 dollars. Jackson made his money in land speculation and slave trading.
The third richest U.S. president was John F Kennedy, with $1 billion in 2013 dollars. JFK made most of his money from his family’s real estate and banking investments.
The poorest U.S. president was James Buchanan, who had a net worth of negative $1 million in 2013 dollars.
2. John F. Kennedy: $1 billion
President John F. Kennedy is number two on the list of richest U.S. presidents, with a net worth of $1 billion. Much of JFK’s wealth came from his family’s fortune, amassed in the shipping and banking industries.
JFK also inherited stock in MassMutual Insurance and other businesses from his father. In addition to his inherited wealth, JFK made money from his books and speaking engagements.
1. Donald J. Trump: $3.7 billion
President Donald J. Trump is the wealthiest U.S. president in history, with a net worth of $3.7 billion. Much of Trump’s wealth comes from his real estate empire, which he has built.
Trump has also been successful in business ventures such as branding, entertainment, and golf courses. However, unlike some of his predecessors, Trump has not relied on book deals or speaking fees to pad his bank account.
Despite being one of the wealthiest presidents in history, Trump is not shy about asking for donations from wealthy individuals and businesses. For example, in February 2016, Trump held a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago, where grants ranged from $2,700 to $100,000 per person.
The event raised over $6 million for Trump’s presidential campaign. As a result, Trump’s vast wealth has come under scrutiny during the election cycle.
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