Donald Trump was challenged over a reported $3 billion increase in his net worth during his second term in office during an interview with “60 Minutes” correspondent Ross Douthat.
The president was questioned about the figure after Forbes published an article detailing the reported rise in his wealth. The exchange took place during a wide-ranging interview which aired on Sunday.
Trump responded: “So did everyone’s (net worth increase by $3 billion).” Douthat immediately disputed the suggestion, pointing out that his own net worth had not increased by $3 billion.
Trump then told the correspondent he should have “had stock”. Douthat continued to press him on how his personal fortune had risen by such a large amount.
The president said he spent almost no time thinking about his net worth, while also saying he had a great deal of money and far more than he had ever imagined. He added that his net worth had simply gone up.
Trump subsequently referred to his son, Eric Trump, who runs the Trump Organization, but his explanation did not clarify the reported increase.
Douthat also raised Trump’s connection to a cryptocurrency company co-owned by the United Arab Emirates. Trump did not provide a clear answer and continued speaking without directly addressing the question.
