John Bolton, a prominent American attorney, political commentator, and former diplomat, has established a significant presence in the world of politics, law, and media. From his role as the US National Security Advisor to his contributions at Fox News, Bolton’s net worth and salary have been subjects of interest. As of 2025, Bolton’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. Here’s a closer look at how he built his wealth and what his salary has been throughout his career.
John Bolton’s Net Worth in 2025
John Bolton’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $6 million. His wealth has been primarily accumulated through his extensive career in government, law, media, and his business ventures. While his net worth might not be as high as some of his political counterparts, it reflects the successful career of a man who has had high-profile positions in the US government and has been an influential voice in conservative politics.
Key Sources of John Bolton’s Wealth:
- Government Service: Bolton’s roles in various administrations, particularly in the George W. Bush and Trump administrations, provided him with a stable income.
- Fox News: As one of the highest-paid contributors to Fox News, Bolton earned significant income from his political commentary. He earned $569,423 in 2019, making him one of the top earners at the network.
- Book Royalties: Bolton’s memoir, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, was a bestseller, adding another lucrative source to his net worth.
- Think Tanks and Consulting: His positions at the American Enterprise Institute and Gatestone Institute, along with his Super PAC, further supplemented his wealth.
John Bolton Salary: How Much Did He Earn?
Bolton’s salary has fluctuated depending on his role and the platform he was contributing to. Here are some notable salary figures from his career:
Fox News Salary:
In 2019, Bolton earned $569,423 from his role as a paid contributor at Fox News, which is considerably high compared to the network’s average contributors, who typically make around $141,000 annually. This made him one of the highest-paid personalities on the network.
Government Service:
Bolton has held several prominent positions in the U.S. government, and his salary from these roles would have been consistent with high-level government positions. As National Security Advisor under President Trump, his salary was comparable to other top advisors, likely in the range of $200,000 to $250,000 annually. Similarly, his earlier roles, including US Ambassador to the United Nations, would have carried a similar salary scale.
Early Life and Education of John Bolton
Born on November 20, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, John Bolton grew up as the son of fireman Edward and housewife Virginia Bolton. He attended the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, graduating in 1966, before heading to Yale University. Bolton earned his BA from Yale in 1970, followed by a JD from Yale Law School in 1974.
Although Bolton was a supporter of the Vietnam War during his college years, he avoided direct combat by securing a student deferment. He eventually enlisted in the Maryland Air National Guard and later served in the US Army Reserve.
John Bolton’s Law Career
After graduating from law school, Bolton worked as an associate at the prestigious law firm Covington & Burling in Washington, DC. He served at the firm from 1974 until 1981, before briefly returning in 1983 and leaving again in 1985. Between 1993 and 1999, he was a partner at Lerner, Reed, Bolton & McManus.
His work in law provided a steady income, and his influence in legal and political circles further boosted his reputation. He also worked with Kirkland & Ellis from 2008 to 2018.
John Bolton’s Political Career
Bolton’s political career began under the Reagan administration, where he worked in several key roles. During George H.W. Bush’s presidency, he served in the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development. He later became the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs under President George W. Bush.
Ambassador to the United Nations:
In 2005, Bolton was nominated by George W. Bush to serve as the US Ambassador to the United Nations. His confirmation hearings were contentious, with both parties criticizing his aggressive stance on foreign policy. Eventually, Bush made a recess appointment, allowing Bolton to serve as Ambassador. Although his tenure was controversial, it added to his prominence and influence.
National Security Advisor:
In 2018, Bolton replaced H. R. McMaster as the National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump. He was influential in advocating for the US withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal and in pursuing policies that targeted international organizations. Bolton’s time as National Security Advisor came to an end in September 2019 when he resigned.
Other Activities
Outside of his work in the government and media, Bolton has held several other influential positions. From 1997 to 2001, he served as Senior Vice President at the conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute. He was also the Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies there from 2010 to 2018.
Bolton chaired the far-right think tank Gatestone Institute from 2013 to 2018, which propagated anti-Muslim rhetoric, further cementing his controversial legacy.
Memoir and Public Influence
In 2020, Bolton released his memoir The Room Where It Happened, which details his experiences as National Security Advisor. The book was highly anticipated, and despite efforts by the Trump administration to block its publication, it became a bestseller. The success of the memoir likely provided a significant boost to Bolton’s net worth.
Personal Life
Bolton has been married twice. His first marriage was to Christina, with whom he had a divorce in 1983. He later married financial planner Gretchen Smith in 1986, and the couple has one daughter, Jennifer. Bolton currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland.
John Bolton’s career has spanned multiple decades, with roles in law, government, media, and think tanks. His net worth of $6 million in 2025 reflects his influence in both the political sphere and as a media personality. While his tenure as National Security Advisor was marked by controversy, his consistent presence in conservative politics and media has made him a prominent figure.
Bolton’s salary from Fox News and his earnings from his memoir have contributed significantly to his wealth, and as he continues to remain active in conservative media, his net worth is likely to continue growing.
