White House salary list reveals top earners: How much does Trump earn as President?

The Trump administration has released its annual White House salary report, offering a rare look inside the pay structure of more than 400 staffers now serving President Trump in his second term. The list, delivered to Congress as required by law, details who’s earning the most—and how the West Wing payroll stacks up compared to previous administrations.

Who’s making the big bucks?

At the top of the salary pyramid is Jacalynne B. Klopp, a senior adviser, who takes home the highest White House salary at $225,700 per year. She’s closely followed by Edgar Mkrtchian, associate counsel, with a salary of $203,645.
A select group of 33 senior officials each earn $195,200 annually, including:

• Susie Wiles (Chief of Staff)
• Karoline Leavitt (Press Secretary)
• Tom Homan (Border Czar)
• Stephen Miller (Assistant to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Homeland Security Adviser)
• Sergio Gor (Director of Presidential Personnel)
• Peter Navarro (Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing)

The President’s own pay

President Trump, as mandated by law, receives a $400,000 annual salary, plus a $50,000 expense allowance, $100,000 for travel, and $19,000 for entertainment. He also gets a one-time $100,000 redecorating allowance upon taking office. These perks bring the total presidential compensation package to about $569,000 per year when all benefits are included.


Fun fact: During his previous term, Trump famously donated his presidential salary to various government agencies. It remains to be seen if he’ll continue this tradition in his second term.

Salary breakdown: From the top down

• Deputy assistants: $155,000–$175,000
• Special assistants: $121,500–$150,000
• Presidential speechwriters: $92,500–$121,500
• 108 junior staffers: $59,000–$80,000
  

The White House salary structure reveals a sharp pay gap, with most senior staff clustered at the top and a large cohort of junior aides earning under $80,000.

Trump vs Biden era

For context, the average paid staffer salary in the Trump White House is $114,194, notably higher than the Biden administration’s 2024 average of $109,166. The Biden White House had more staffers overall (564 in 2024, compared to just over 400 under Trump) and a lower proportion of high earners, with only 21 staff making $180,000 or more.