On Tuesday, a press conference was held in the Oval Office, where Elon Musk, standing beside President Donald Trump, made unsubstantiated claims about federal workers engaging in corrupt practices. The event was part of Musk’s efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut government spending. When Trump prompted Musk to share specific examples of alleged corruption, Musk pointed to individuals in the bureaucracy who he claimed had amassed tens of millions of dollars while earning salaries in the hundreds of thousands. He specifically singled out USAID, the U.S. foreign aid office, and referred to a woman who he said had walked away with $30 million. Musk suggested that these individuals were getting wealthy at the expense of taxpayers, though he offered no concrete evidence to support his claims.
However, as Forbes has extensively documented over the years, there are numerous legal and ethical ways for government officials to accumulate significant wealth without engaging in corruption. This includes inheritance, marrying a high-earning spouse, or having substantial wealth before entering public service. Some officials also benefit from the “revolving door” between government and the private sector, where they can earn lucrative salaries or consulting fees during periods when they are not in government roles. Additionally, many politicians and government officials have made money through book deals, speaking engagements, or other ventures outside of their official duties. While these practices are often scrutinized, they are entirely legal and do not necessarily imply wrongdoing.
One prominent example of this is former USAID administrator Samantha Power, who has been the subject of conspiracy theories amplified by Musk. Power, a well-respected scholar, journalist, and former United Nations ambassador under President Obama, was already wealthy before joining the Biden administration in 2021. Her financial disclosures show that she and her husband, Harvard professor Cass Sunstein, declared assets ranging from $9.7 million to $26.7 million in 2021, with only a marginal increase by 2024. This indicates no evidence of improper financial gains during her tenure at USAID. Similarly, other high-ranking officials, including Supreme Court justices and Cabinet members, have seen their net worth grow due to inheritance, investments, or their spouses’ earnings, rather than through corrupt practices.
The “revolving door” between government and the private sector is a common way for officials to increase their wealth. For instance, former Vice President Joe Biden, who earned $11.1 million from books and speeches in 2017 after leaving the vice presidency, saw his net worth grow to $10 million by 2024. Similarly, Hillary Clinton and her husband, Bill, earned over $240 million from speeches, book deals, and consulting between 2000 and 2016. This pattern is not unique to Democrats; former Trump officials like Attorney General Bill Barr and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar also earned significant amounts in the private sector between government roles. While this practice raises ethical concerns about influence and conflicts of interest, it is a legal and widespread phenomenon in Washington.
Another way government officials accumulate wealth is through marriage. For example, Vice President Kamala Harris’s finances significantly improved after she married entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff, who earned over $1 million annually during her presidential campaign. Similarly, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and his wife, Jane, saw their combined net worth grow from $5 million in 2005 to an estimated $25 million today, largely due to Jane’s lucrative career as a legal recruiter. Inheritance is another common source of wealth for government officials. Attorney General Merrick Garland, for instance, has a net worth of $20 million, which includes trusts and investments from his in-laws. Other officials, such as former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, have also benefited from significant inheritances.
Finally, many government officials entered public service already wealthy, having built successful careers in the private sector before taking on government roles. For example, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch’s net worth grew from $3.1 million in 2005 to $8 million today, thanks to deferred compensation from his private practice, investments, and book deals. Similarly, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren saw her wealth increase due to investments and the rising value of her real estate. While these officials’ wealth may raise questions about their connection to ordinary Americans, it is important to note that their financial gains are often legal and transparent, even if they are subject to scrutiny. Without concrete evidence of corruption, it is unfair to assume that government officials are enriching themselves at the expense of taxpayers.
