The net worth of the presidents varies widely. George Washington amassed over half a billion in today’s dollars, while other presidents went bankrupt. The fortunes of America’s presidents are often tied to the economy of their time. Over time, as the focus of the economy has changed, so has the way the presidents made their money.
One thing remains clear: it pays to be president, especially after leaving office, says 24/7 Wall St., which examined the finances of all 43 presidents to identify the richest.
Here goes:
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
- Net worth: $1 billion (never inherited his father’s fortune)
- In office: 1961 to 1963
- 35th president
Born into great wealth, Kennedy’s wife was an oil heiress. His father was one of the wealthiest men in America and was the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Almost all of JFK’s income and property came from a trust shared with other family members.
William Jefferson Clinton
- Net worth: $55 million
- In office: 1993 to 2001
- 42nd president
Unlike many presidents, Bill Clinton did not come from a wealthy family, nor did he have lucrative employment before his presidency. But since leaving office we estimate that Clinton has earned more than $125 million before taxes, with the vast majority of that coming from speaking fees. Clinton’s net worth was reduced in 2008 when his wife, Hillary Clinton, wrote off more than $13 million she loaned her campaign for her own presidential bid. Her campaign debt, once over $25 million, was just retired in January.
Others who make the cut include, Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd president of the United States and Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president.
See the entire list of America’s 10 richest presidents HERE.
