Bill and Hillary Clinton: In the Top 10% of the 1%

In past 16 months the couple have made $30M
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted May 16, 2015 9:06 AM CDT
Bill and Hillary Clinton: In the Top 10% of the 1%
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is welcomed to the stage by her husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, at the Clinton Global Initiative, Monday, Sept. 22, 2014.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

In her last financial disclosure report, Hillary Clinton put her and her husband's estimated wealth at between $4 million and $20 million. That was 2012, this is now: The couple have in the last 16 months earned more than $25 million in speaking fees tied to more than 100 paid speeches, plus another $5 million in book royalties. NBC News notes this puts them "in the top one-tenth of 1% of all Americans." The numbers come from a personal financial disclosure report filed with the Federal Election Commission last night; such filings are required of presidential contenders.

How the New York Times frames the news: The disclosure "could create challenges for the former secretary of state as she tries to cast herself as a champion of everyday Americans in an era of income inequality." (An assertion likely not helped by this: Though Hillary last year memorably said she and Bill aren't like the "truly well off," the Times put the Clintons' post-White House speaking fee revenue at $125 million.) Reaction from the right, from RNC chair Reince Priebus: "The Clintons' claim that staggering amounts of income from paid speaking fees that raise ethical questions and potential conflicts of interest is simply to 'pay our bills' shows how out-of-touch they've truly become." (Hillary's rider for one talk specified these foods be available.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X