The Richest Presidential Candidate Ever?

When Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president on Tuesday, he became the richest presidential candidate ever. As he told the America during his hour-long announcement speech, "I'm really rich." The businessman turned reality TV star has already dubbed himself as the "most successful person ever to run for the presidency, by far." And if you determine success by financial prosperity, it would look like Mr. Trump is correct. Although previous estimates by Forbes have estimated Trump's net worth to total a measly $4.1 billion, during his speech, Trump laid claim to an impressive $8.74 billion in assets.

If Trump's personal estimates are correct, then he is in fact the richest candidate to run for president, far outnumbering the rest of the current 2016 candidates. According to Bloomberg, after Trump, Republican businesswoman Carly Fiorina is the next wealthiest, pulling in a net worth of $59 million from her time as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard. Though Hillary Clinton appears to be unsure of her total worth, she knows it ranges somewhere from $5 to $25 million, with she and Bill's combined worth totaling an estimated $100 million, according to The Washington Post. And newly announced Republican candidate Jeb Bush's name may precede him, but his $10 million is probably less than the price of Trump's expansive and much rumored toupee collection.

But is he the richest candidate ever? The short answer is yes. Trump's wealth even trumps (hah) the wealth of previous U.S. presidents such as John F. Kennedy, whose net worth totaled $1 billion when adjusted for inflation, as well as Founding Father George Washington, who would be rolling in approximately $525 million today.

Although Trump far outdistances the current presidential candidates in terms of wealth, several politicians in recent years have come close to stealing Trump's title. None of them have secured the presidency.

Ross Perot: $4.3 billion

Ross Perot is a Texas businessman who ran as an Independent in both the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections. His total worth is currently estimated at $4.3 billion, which means that if Forbes' initial estimates regarding Trump's wealth are correct, Perot would keep the distinction of richest presidential candidate.

Steve Forbes: $430 million

In 1996 and 2000, Steve Forbes, the editor-in-chief of Forbes announced his desire to win the Republican nomination for president. He failed both times. Although he won the Arizona and Delaware primaries in 1996, TIME infamously described Forbes' campaign presence as a "comedy-club impression of what would happen if some mad scientist decided to construct a dork robot." Ouch.

John Kerry: $280 million

Kerry ran for president in 2004 before later taking over Hillary Clinton's role of secretary of state for the Obama administration. Secretary Kerry recently suffered an injury after riding his bike, and was actually called out by Trump during his speech. "We won’t be using a man like Secretary Kerry... [who] goes into a bicycle race at 72 years old, and falls and breaks his leg. I won’t be doing that. And I promise I will never be in a bicycle race. That I can tell you." Trump told audiences on Tuesday. Kerry and his cool $280 million probably aren't fazed by Trump's remarks.

Mitt Romney: $220 million

The 2012 Republican hopeful Mitt Romney also received a snub from Trump during his speech Tuesday, when Trump informed audiences that he owns a "Gucci store that's worth more than Romney." Considering that Romney's $220 million was often used as a point of attack during his unsuccessful run against President Obama, it's unlikely that Trump's comparison will play well.

Al Gore: $190 million

The former vice president and 2000 Democratic nominee probably comes closer than anyone on this list to achieving the presidency. Though winning the popular vote in the 2000 election, Gore failed to obtain the required electoral college votes, thus resulting in George Bush being awarded the presidency. Gore now spends his time (and his money) on advocating for environmental causes, most notably protesting against climate change.

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