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“There’s Never Been a President That Waived His Salary. I’m the Only Schmuck. I Get No Credit for It,” Trump Says, Emphasizing His Decision to Waive His Presidential Salary — “As President, I Make Two Million Dollars Over Four Years, Two and a Half Million Dollars. I Waived It. I’m the Only President That Ever Waived It!”

Kurt Steffens

February 22, 2026

“There’s Never Been a President That Waived His Salary. I’m the Only Schmuck. I Get No Credit for It,” Trump Says, Emphasizing His Decision to Waive His Presidential Salary — “As President, I Make Two Million Dollars Over Four Years, Two and a Half Million Dollars. I Waived It. I’m the Only President That Ever Waived It!”

President Donald J. Trump emphasized his decision to waive his presidential salary during a visit to Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, on Saturday. Speaking to supporters, Trump noted that over four years he would earn roughly $2 million to $2.5 million, but he has chosen to forgo the compensation, calling attention to what he described as a historic first among U.S. presidents.

“I waived it. I’m the only president that ever waived it,” Trump said, referencing his decision to donate his first paycheck to the White House Historical Association to support ongoing renovations and improvements at the executive residence.

“So as president, I make $2 million over four years, $2.5 million. I waived it… I'm the only president that ever waived it… There's never been a president that waived his salary. I'm the only schmuck. I get no credit for it.” – @POTUS pic.twitter.com/WHep5uXK8c
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) February 19, 2026

Trump reiterated the point in a post on Truth Social, writing that, with the possible exception of George Washington, he is the only president to donate his salary. The post said the funds were used to enhance the White House, describing the efforts as part of ongoing preservation and restoration work.

I am proud to be the only President (with the possible exception of the Late, Great George Washington) to donate my Salary. My first “Paycheck” went to the White House Historical Association, as we make much needed renovations to the beautiful “People’s House.” Great improvements…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 6, 2025

Historical context provided by the Trump White House archives shows that since taking office, Trump has donated his quarterly salaries to various federal initiatives. Earlier contributions included the Department of the Interior, supporting the National Park Service, and the Department of Education, funding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-focused programs for students. According to the archives, the donations were part of a broader effort to support initiatives of national significance and public programs.

During his visit to Rome, Trump also made a stop at The Varsity restaurant to meet employees, and he endorsed Clay Fuller for Georgia’s 14th District special election. The visit focused on promoting Trump’s economic agenda ahead of the upcoming State of the Union address.

About Author

Zane Clark

Zane Clark is a writer whose interest in national affairs began at age 11, during a birthday ride in a 1966 Piper 180C that sparked an early curiosity about history and current events. That first moment of perspective grew into a lasting fascination with the people, conflicts, and decisions influencing the nation’s direction. Today, Zane brings clear, informed storytelling to Altitude Post, covering everything from major events to the individuals helping shape the country’s future. When he’s not writing, he’s researching history, following current developments, spotting aircraft, attending airshows or exploring the stories behind the headlines.