The Wealth Gap Nobody Expected: 2024 Presidential Candidates' Net Worth Revealed

As we head into November 2024, the presidential race has narrowed down significantly. But one thing stands out starkly—the financial chasm between these candidates. While the U.S. presidency pays $400,000 annually, that figure means vastly different things to different hopefuls. Let’s dive into the finances of those still in the running.

Joe Biden: The Middle-Class Millionaire Among Titans

The current president sits at a net worth of Joe Biden of $10 million, a modest figure compared to some peers. Biden’s wealth climbed $2 million since entering office, largely fueled by his presidential salary, appreciated real estate, and investment gains. Last year, he and First Lady Jill Biden combined earned $620,000—the president’s $400,000 salary plus her $86,000 as a community college professor, plus interest, pensions, and Social Security.

The Biden’s two Delaware properties anchor their portfolio at $4.5 million and $2.5 million respectively. For a career politician who served as a senator from 1973 before becoming Obama’s VP, his accumulation appears relatively gradual and real-estate focused. By presidential standards, Biden’s net worth of Joe Biden represents a grounded financial foundation rather than extraordinary wealth.

Donald Trump: Billionaire by a Stunning Margin

Then there’s Trump. His $6.4 billion net worth tells a completely different story. Since leaving office, his fortune ballooned nearly $4 billion—a meteoric rise fueled primarily by Trump Media & Technology Group’s valuation at $4.6 billion following its public merger in March 2024. With 79 million shares in the company, Trump’s social media venture alone dwarfs Biden’s entire net worth.

Beyond that, $1.1 billion sits in real estate holdings across the U.S., while his resort and club empire adds another estimated $810 million. He also counts $15 million in private aircraft, $2 million in pensions, and $3 million in cryptocurrency. The wealth gap between these two frontrunners isn’t just significant—it’s staggering.

The Challengers: A Tier Below

Marianne Williamson, the spiritual author and presidential long-shot, brings $2.5 million to the table. Her 15-book portfolio—including three New York Times bestsellers—generated $7.5 million in earnings between 2013 and 2017. Though she loves spending on luxury travel ($276,000 over five years) and high-end clothing ($41,000), her investment portfolio holds $841,000 in stocks like Apple and Alphabet, plus $250,000 in cash.

Robert Kennedy Jr. commands $15 million, making him wealthier than Biden but a fraction of Trump. As one of 11 Kennedy children inheriting family trusts and office assets, RFK Jr. holds at least $4 million through Kennedy trusts, hundreds of thousands in family office investments, plus commercial real estate. His law practice earned over $5 million in 2022-2023, supplemented by consulting fees and nonprofit work. His wife, actress Cheryl Hines, adds over $1 million annually to household income.

The Outlier: Cornel West’s Cautionary Tale

Then there’s Cornel West, the independent candidate worth just $50,000 despite earning over $15 million in the past 30 years. His story reads as a cautionary tale: lavish spending, multiple residences, luxury cars, and unpaid taxes have left him with $483,000 in tax liens. West famously told Forbes he lives “paycheck to paycheck” despite his substantial historical earnings. His only asset of note is $280,000 in retirement savings and a home in Princeton.

The Bottom Line: Wealth Tells Different Stories

The net worth of Joe Biden versus his competitors reveals how differently these candidates arrived at their positions. Biden represents gradual accumulation through public service; Trump symbolizes explosive growth through media ventures; Williamson showcases author success; RFK Jr. demonstrates generational family wealth; and West embodies the dangers of financial mismanagement. As voters head to the polls, these numbers offer a window into each candidate’s financial priorities and discipline.