Who is the richest living American president? Net worths, ranked: from Donald Trump’s real estate fortune to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama’s book deal millions, but how about ‘middle class Joe’ Biden?
- He may be the current president, but Joe Biden comes last on the list and referred to himself as the ‘poorest’ member of Congress before his first White House stint as vice-president
- Donald Trump, meanwhile, is the richest president in history, with more in the bank than George Washington and Thomas Jefferson would have had today thanks to his businesses and reality TV career
The president of the US is often touted as the most powerful position any person on the planet can hold. But beyond the immense political, economic and social influence the job affords, the American head of state additionally enjoys a range of advantages, most notably a US$400,000 annual salary and a host of post-term cushy benefits.
These include a monthly pension, medical care and even Secret Service protection. Furthermore, being the American president solidifies future earning potentials, whether from book deals or talking engagements.
Today, there are six living American presidents – five former and one current. But of the six statesmen, who is the wealthiest? Let’s look at their individual estimated net worths, according to Celebrity Net Worth and more sources.
6. Joe Biden, 46th president, 2021 – present: US$9 million
After his time as vice-president, however, Biden’s net worth skyrocketed into the millions. Per Celebrity Net Worth, the millions of dollars earned by Biden after 2017 were mostly a result from speeches and high-priced book deals. Between 2017 and 2018 alone, it’s reported that Biden was hired for 40 speaking engagements, charging a fee of five or six figures each time.
5. Jimmy Carter, 39th president, 1977 – 1981: US$10 million
At 97 years old, Jimmy Carter is the oldest and only president whose entire term was in the previous century. A former naval officer and Georgia Governor, Carter served as president between 1977 and 1981.
On top of his post-presidential pension, Carter has also scribed more than 30 books and made a name for himself as a global diplomat promoting peace and other philanthropic efforts. He established the Carter Centre, an organisation aimed at solving global conflicts and combating diseases.
According to The Washington Post, Carter also made money running his family’s peanut farm and business, which ultimately sold for a reported US$1.5 million.