The Richest Presidents In U.S. History
Presidents aren’t usually remembered for being loaded, but a few had wallets that would make Wall Street blush. They either built their fortunes from scratch or were born into wealth that spanned generations. Here’s a look at the ten wealthiest U.S. presidents in history, regarding peak net worth.
Harry S. Truman – $1 Million
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After leaving office, Harry S. Truman returned to Missouri with little money. He refused corporate offers and struggled financially until Congress gave him a pension. His net worth stayed under $1 million. Truman’s life serves as a reminder that public service doesn’t always come with a golden parachute.
Ronald Reagan – $15 Million
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Before politics, Ronald Reagan earned six figures per film. After the Oval Office, he raked in cash from speeches and a $6 million book deal. His peak net worth hovered around $15 million. Reagan’s career in entertainment laid the financial foundation he’d use long after his final movie credit.
Ulysses S. Grant – $13 Million
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Despite winning the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant lost everything in a financial scam. In his final days, he wrote memoirs that brought in today’s equivalent of $13 million. The project, assisted by Mark Twain, secured his family’s future.
Franklin D. Roosevelt – $67 Million
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Franklin D. Roosevelt’s family owned land in Hyde Park and had a financial cushion passed down through generations, with his adjusted net worth reaching $67 million. Though he led the country through hard times, FDR’s personal wealth stayed largely intact throughout his presidency and beyond.
Barack Obama – $70 Million
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As the 44th president of America from 2009 to 2017, Barack Obama’s wealth is growing quickly. His book deals, including “A Promised Land,” and the Netflix content deal with Michelle Obama, have already added tens of millions. His current estimated worth is around $70 million.
Herbert Hoover – $100.1 Million
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As a mining engineer who traveled the world, Herbert Hoover struck it rich. His technical textbook became a go-to industry guide. By the time he entered the White House, Hoover had amassed $100.1 million—one of the few self-made fortunes among presidents of his era.
Bill Clinton – $120 Million
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Bill Clinton’s memoir “My Life” earned millions, and Hillary Clinton’s $14 million advance for “Hard Choices” added to their growing wealth. Their combined net worth reached $120 million, with most of it earned after they left office.
Lyndon B. Johnson – $131.9 Million
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It’s incredible how Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, bought a small station in Texas and turned it into a media powerhouse. Add to that land, livestock, and real estate, and Johnson’s peak wealth soared to $131.9 million.
James Madison – $136.7 Million
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James Madison inherited a sprawling Virginia estate with thousands of acres and dozens of enslaved people. His peak net worth hit $136.7 million. Despite serving as a key Founding Father and president, Madison’s finances later took a hit due to bad farming and debt.
Andrew Jackson – $160.1 Million
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Andrew Jackson turned law and land into a fortune worth $160.1 million. He owned the Hermitage plantation and as many as 150 enslaved people who produced cotton on a massive scale. Despite a humble start, Jackson ended up one of the richest early presidents, with most of his wealth earned, not inherited.
Theodore Roosevelt – $168.6 Million
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Theodore Roosevelt came into the presidency with $168.6 million in inherited wealth but didn’t grow it much. His fortune came from his father’s trust fund, but his attention shifted to public service, writing, and outdoor adventures. Roosevelt didn’t care for luxury—he preferred a rugged life over a gilded one.
Thomas Jefferson – $285.8 Million
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Thomas Jefferson’s fortune, worth $285.8 million today, was built on inheritance and enslaved labor. He expanded thousands of acres into a working estate in Virginia. Although brilliant, his poor financial habits and costly lifestyle meant he died in debt.
George Washington – $708.5 Million
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The first president was rich even by today’s standards—about $708.5 million in adjusted dollars. He inherited Mount Vernon, earned from his military service, and managed one of the largest distilleries of the time. Land speculation and forced labor on his plantation made Washington a very wealthy landowner.
John F. Kennedy – $1.3 Billion
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JFK’s wealth peaked at $1.3 billion, thanks to the Kennedy dynasty. His father, Joseph Kennedy Sr., was a successful banker and Hollywood investor. Jackie Kennedy also came from a privileged background. Although JFK didn’t live long, his family wealth was firmly in place before politics.
Donald J. Trump – $6.2 Billion
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Real estate, branding, and an empire bearing his name pushed Donald Trump’s net worth to $6.2 billion by 2024, per Forbes. His holdings include Manhattan skyscrapers, golf resorts in Scotland and Florida, and licensing deals worldwide. He entered the White House already wealthy, and his finances have continued to grow since then.
