Is Donald Trump the richest US President ever? These are the top 5 wealthiest commanders in chief
Trump’s business acumen and real estate empire have long been central to his public persona, but where does he rank among America’s wealthiest presidents?
As Donald Trump secures his second term as President of the United States in a stunning political comeback, comparisons are being drawn with his near-four dozens predecessors. Namely, just how much money the well-known businessman had in comparison.
The nature of wealth has vastly changed since the days of George Washington and Calvin Coolidge. Businessmen in the 21st century can generate far more wealth through the global network of capitalism than the founding fathers could ever dream of.
However, with inflation taken into account, there are still some old heads that accrued a huge amount of wealth.
Back in 2018, 24/7 Wall St. made an article surmising the five richest presidents. Using their list, and adjusting for 2024 inflation, a small update will show just how much money some of the nation’s most recognisable faces held.
5: Theodore Roosevelt - $175.41 million
Roosevelt came from a wealthy New York family and inherited a substantial fortune. He also earned income from his writings and investments, but never really worked a typical job.
4: Thomas Jefferson - $297.34 million
The author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States inherited significant wealth and was a successful plantation and slaveowner.
Jefferson’s fortune included his famous estate, Monticello.
3: George Washington - $737 million
The nation’s first president inherited the lucrative Mount Vernon plantation from his half-brother. Washington’s presidential salary in 1789 was $25,000, which represented 2% of the total US budget at the time.
Washington was also a slave owner.
2: John F. Kennedy - $1.38 billion
Kennedy’s wealth was largely inherited. His father, Joe Kennedy, was one of the richest men in the United States, having made his fortune through banking and investing. Kennedy’s wife, Jackie, was also an oil heiress, contributing to the family’s vast wealth.
1: Donald J. Trump - $5.5 billion
Trump tops the list as the wealthiest US president in history. Born into a wealthy family, Trump inherited at least $413 million from his father, according to the New York Times. He significantly increased his fortune by taking control of his father’s real estate business and now possesses billions in real estate assets.
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