Dozens of top staffers in the Trump administration are earning nearly $200,000 a year, with average pay hovering around $114,000 annually.
The Trump administration has far fewer staffers on the payroll compared to the Biden administration, however, average pay in the Trump White House is about $5,000 higher.
The highest paid White House staffer is Jacalynne B. Klopp, a senior adviser earning $225,700, according to the White House’s annual salary report. Following behind Klopp is Edgar Mkrtchian, associate counsel, who earns $203,645 per year.
Dozens of other staffers, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Border Czar Tom Homan, Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, and Trade Counselor Peter Navarro, each make $195,200.
President Joe Biden’s White House employed 564 people in 2024, compared to just over 400 under President Donald Trump. The average Trump White House staffer earns $114,194 per year, compared to $109,166 for Biden staffers.
Most deputy assistant positions make $155,000-$175,000, and presidential speechwriters earn between $92,500-$121,500 during Trump’s second term, per Axios. More than 108 other employees earn between $59,000-$80,000.
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Some White House staffers under Trump do not receive compensation from the White House, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who holds a number of positions in the administration, including national security advisor. Rubio, like Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, receives pay from the State Department.
President Trump in theory receives an annual salary of $400,000, plus additional money for expenses, entertainment, and a redecorating allowance — totaling around $569,000. However, Trump donated his salary his first term in office.
His Quarter 1 salary during his first term, for example, was donated to the Department of Interior, specifically the National Park Service to aid in its goal of preserving our country’s national security, according to the White House. According to Forbes, Trump donated at least $1.4 million to various federal agencies during that term.
Trump will donate his salary this term, too, according to Fox News.