The list of five richest U.S. presidents at the time of inauguration was led by Donald Trump, John F. Kennedy and George Washington, with Trump and Kennedy being the only billionaires.
Donald Trump
Who are 5 richest US presidents? |
Former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 10, 2024. Photo by AFP |
The 45th and 47th president of the U.S. had $3.7 billion in net worth when he began his first presidency in 2017, and his wealth risen to $5.3 billion now, according to a list compiled by CBS News.
The majority of his income came from property investments and Trump Media & Technology Group, with shares having risen 59% this year.
John F. Kennedy
Who are 5 richest US presidents? |
John F. Kennedy speaks at the 1956 Democratic National Convention. Photo courtesy of United Press International |
The 35th president of the U.S., John F. Kennedy, had $1.3 billion in wealth, mostly inherited.
His father, Joseph Kennedy, became rich from investing and was appointed in 1934 as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
George Washington
Who are 5 richest US presidents? |
A portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart |
The first president, George Washington, had $709 million in net worth.
“Our first president was rich, he owned a lot of real estate,” according to historian Douglas Brinkley.
Other historians say that Washington gained wealth from growing corn and using it to make whiskey.
Thomas Jefferson
Who are 5 richest US presidents? |
A portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale |
The second president, Thomas Jefferson, had $286 million in wealth, mostly inherited through land from his father, who was a planter and surveyor who died when Jefferson was fourteen.
Theodore Roosevelt
Who are 5 richest US presidents? |
Theodore Roosevelt. Photo courtesy of the United States Library of Congress |
The 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, had $169 million in net worth.
He came from one of New York’s most prominent and wealthy families, and inherited a fortune.
His cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, would later serve as the nation’s 32nd president.