Hey, let’s talk about George W. Bush. Not the politics. Just the money. You know, the stuff that really matters at a dinner party. How rich was W before he became the Decider-in-Chief? And how’s his bank account looking now that he’s a painter of bathroom dogs?
It’s a fun rabbit hole. Because George W. is rich rich. Not just “I have a nice 401k” rich. We’re talking old-money Texas oil, baseball-team-owning rich. But the presidency? Man, that job costs you.
Before the White House: The Bush Family Fortune
Let’s be real. George W. didn’t start from scratch. His daddy was president. His granddaddy was a senator. The Bush family had that sweet, sweet Connecticut-to-Texas oil money flowing like barbecue sauce at a ranch cookout.
Must Read
Before he ever ran for office, W made his own pile. He got into the oil business in the 1970s. It was a rollercoaster, honestly. He had a few busts and near-misses. But then he made a killing when his company, Arbusto, merged with Harken Energy.
Then came the big score: the Texas Rangers. In 1989, Bush led a group that bought the baseball team. He put in a tiny chunk of cash, like $600,000. But when they sold the team in 1998? He walked away with about $15 million. Not bad for a guy who once looked like he’d be a career middle manager.
So, entering the 2000 election, his net worth was estimated around $20 million. He was a millionaire. He was set. The presidency wasn’t exactly a financial necessity for him. It was more of a… family hobby?
T 2.0 | Page 480 | Socal Soccer
Living in the White House: A Free Ride?
You’d think being president makes you richer, right? Free house, free plane, free chef. You’re basically living at a five-star resort with nuclear codes. But here’s the kicker: the job bleeds your portfolio.
Presidents are supposed to put their assets in a blind trust. They can’t just day-trade oil stocks while their dad’s buddies are in the Cabinet. It’s a pain. And the salary? It’s $400,000 a year. Nice, sure. But for a guy who just sold a baseball team for a few million? That’s pocket change.
During his eight years, W’s personal wealth barely budged. Most estimates put him at around $20 to $25 million when he left in 2009. All that power, stress, and gray hair? And his net worth just sat there, like a stubborn mule.
George Bush Before And After Presidency
After the Presidency: The Glow-Up
This is where it gets interesting. You know how ex-presidents usually go on a cash-grab tour? They write a book, give some boring speeches, and then retire to a golf course. W did that. And he did it big time.
First, the book. His memoir, Decision Points, came out in 2010. It wasn't exactly Shakespeare, but it sold like crazy. He reportedly got a $7 million advance. Suddenly, painting and woodworking became side hustles.
Then came the speeches. W is a surprisingly funny guy, especially when he’s not fumbling over the word “nuclear.” He hits the corporate circuit, charging $100,000 to $150,000 per speech. He gives about 20 or 30 of those a year. Do the math. That’s a cool $3 million a year just for talking.
Side Effects Of Presidency Shown In Before And After Pictures Of 10 U.S
And don’t forget the painting. His paintings of world leaders and his dog, Barney, sell at private events. Not for millions, but it’s a nice check. Plus, he invests. He’s smart with the Texas oil trust that still trickles down.
The Net Worth Now: Big Time Paintbrush
So, where’s the number today? As of 2024, George W. Bush’s net worth is estimated at $40 to $50 million. Yeah. He doubled his money after leaving office. Most of us struggle to save for a rainy day; W turned his memoir into a monsoon.
He’s worth more now than when he was in charge of the nuclear football. That’s the American dream, baby. Fail on foreign policy, succeed on the speaker circuit.
8 Stunning Photographs of Presidents Before and After Their Term in
Is he a billionaire? No. The really rich Bushes are his brother Jeb’s in-laws (the Columbos). But W is living the life. He plays golf, bikes, and paints portraits of his friends. He’s rich, happy, and probably sipping sweet tea right now.
Here’s the takeaway: the presidency is a terrible investment. You lose hair, gain critics, and your bank account barely moves. But leaving the presidency? That’s where the real money is. Just ask George W. He’s proof that the most lucrative job in America is being the ex-president.
So next time you see a painting of a cat wearing a hat, just know: somewhere, W is laughing. All the way to the bank. With a paintbrush in one hand and a check in the other.