Trump confirms he’s still donating his presidential salary to White House preservation and upkeep

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump says he is still donating his full presidential salary, with much of the money now going toward White House preservation and renovation projects.

Speaking during an interview on 'Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson' on Sunday, May 10, Trump said he continues to funnel his pay into fixing up the executive mansion.

“I do, much of it goes to the White House preservation, and I fix things up. You might have seen the path outside. Did you see it? It’s beautiful. I’ll let you take a look at it later. It’s beautiful, beautiful black granite, it was stone that was all broken and in terrible shape,” the 79-year-old POTUS said.

The president’s annual salary is set by federal law at $400,000, along with additional allowances that include $50,000 for expenses, $100,000 for travel, and $19,000 for entertainment.

Trump touts White House renovations

Trump stressed the claim in a post on Truth Social in August 2025, arguing he was virtually alone among presidents in giving away his paycheck.

“I am proud to be the only President (with the possible exception of the Late, Great George Washington) to donate my Salary,” he wrote. “My first ‘Paycheck’ went to the White House Historical Association, as we make much needed renovations to the beautiful ‘People’s House.’”

He also claimed the White House is undergoing “improvements and beautification” at “levels not seen since its original creation.” 

While Trump said he is the only president to donate his salary, former Presidents John F Kennedy and Herbert Hoover had also donated their presidential pay.

Trump also took a swipe at former President Joe Biden while describing what he said was a lack of upkeep at the White House during the previous administration.

“The White House was not properly maintained. You think a guy like Joe Biden would maintain it? He didn’t know he was alive, but I do, I’m very good. I was a great real estate developer. I can fix things and make them look beautiful, and pay for it myself. But no, I devote 100% of my salary to different things, but I like White House preservation,” he remarked.

Donations, renovations, and Trump’s fortune

According to Reuters, Trump disclosed more than $600 million in income in 2024, with earnings tied to cryptocurrency ventures, golf properties, licensing agreements, and other businesses. The outlet estimated his total assets at at least $1.6 billion.

The White House Historical Association (which Trump said received his first paycheck donation) was established in 1961 by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy to help preserve and protect the history of the White House.

This isn’t the first time Trump has bragged about where his presidential salary has gone.

Back in 2017, he donated part of his salary to the Department of Education to help fund a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) camp for students. The White House at the time said the donation was aimed at helping young Americans prepare for future jobs and encouraging interest in STEM fields.

During his first term, Trump also donated paychecks to the National Park Service as well as departments including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In August 2025, Trump completed a $2 million renovation of the Rose Garden, funded by private citizens. His latest project underway is the planned addition of a $400 million White House ballroom.