Liz Cheney has been a big name in American politics, known for her strong opinions and bold actions. As the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. Her time in Congress, her legal work, and her family background have all contributed to her wealth. But just how much is Liz Cheney worth? Estimates of her net worth vary widely, from $7 million to as high as $47 million, depending on the source. This article dives into her financial journey, exploring how she built her fortune, her career highlights, and the controversies surrounding her wealth. Let’s break it down step by step, looking at her income, investments, and the role her family legacy plays.
Early Life and Education
Liz Cheney was born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Dick and Lynne Cheney. Growing up in a politically powerful family, she split her childhood between Wyoming and Washington, D.C. Her father’s career, from congressman to vice president, gave her early exposure to politics. She attended McLean High School in Virginia, graduating in 1984, then went to Colorado College for a bachelor’s degree. Later, she earned a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1996.
Her education set the stage for a career in law and government. She didn’t just rely on her family name—she worked hard to build her own path. Her time at prestigious schools gave her the skills to navigate complex legal and political worlds. This foundation helped her land roles in the State Department and beyond, setting up her financial success. Her early life wasn’t just about privilege; it was about preparing for a career that would shape her wealth.
Family Influence
Dick Cheney, Liz’s father, was a major figure in U.S. politics, serving as vice president under George W. Bush. His success in government and business, including his time as CEO of Halliburton, built a family fortune estimated at $150 million. Liz’s mother, Lynne, was a scholar and former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This powerful family background gave Liz connections and opportunities that shaped her career. While she earned much of her wealth through her own work, her family’s wealth and influence likely opened doors and provided inherited assets.
Educational Achievements
Liz’s academic path was impressive. At Colorado College, she studied political science, gaining a strong grasp of government systems. Her law degree from the University of Chicago, one of the top law schools, prepared her for high-level legal work. She also studied at the University of Wisconsin, where her parents were once enrolled. These degrees weren’t just credentials—they gave her the tools to excel in law, policy, and politics, which later translated into well-paying roles and financial stability.
Political Career
Liz Cheney’s political career kicked off in 2017 when she became Wyoming’s U.S. Representative. She served until 2023, holding a seat her father once occupied. As a congresswoman, she earned $174,000 a year, a steady income that added to her wealth. She also served as chair of the House Republican Conference from 2019 to 2021, a high-ranking role that boosted her influence. Her vocal criticism of Donald Trump, especially after the January 6 Capitol attack, made her a polarizing figure. She lost her 2022 primary to a Trump-backed candidate, ending her time in Congress.
Before Congress, Liz worked in the State Department under George W. Bush, holding roles like Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. These positions didn’t just build her resume—they paid well and gave her valuable connections. Her political work, combined with her family’s legacy, helped her amass a fortune, though exact figures are debated.
Congressional Salary
As a U.S. Representative, Liz earned a consistent $174,000 annually, according to public records. Over her six years in Congress, this added up to over $1 million in salary alone. While this income was significant, it’s only a piece of her wealth. Her financial disclosures show other sources, like investments and family trusts, played a bigger role. Her salary provided stability, but her broader financial portfolio, including real estate and inherited assets, drove her net worth higher.
Key Political Roles
Liz’s roles in the State Department were pivotal. As Deputy Assistant Secretary, she worked on Middle East policy, overseeing initiatives like the Middle East Partnership Initiative. She also co-founded Keep America Safe, a nonprofit focused on national security. These positions didn’t just pay well—they gave her a platform to build influence and wealth. Her work on presidential campaigns, like Mitt Romney’s, added to her earnings through consulting fees and speaking engagements, further boosting her financial standing.
Legal Career and Other Ventures
Before politics, Liz Cheney was a successful attorney. She worked at firms like White & Case and later at the International Finance Corporation. Her legal career brought in substantial income, with some estimates suggesting she earned six figures annually in these roles. She also co-authored books with her father, including In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir (2011) and Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America (2015). Her 2023 memoir, Oath and Honor, became a bestseller, adding to her wealth through book deals.
Liz also worked as a Fox News contributor from 2012 to 2013, earning around $281,000 for her media appearances. These ventures, combined with her legal work, show she didn’t rely solely on politics for income. Her diverse career—law, media, and writing—helped build a fortune that estimates place between $14 million and $47 million.
Book Deals
Liz’s books have been a significant income source. Her memoir Oath and Honor sold well, likely earning her a substantial advance and royalties. Co-authoring books with her father also brought in money—reports suggest she earned $350,000 from a book advance for Heart: An American Odyssey. These deals added to her wealth, showing her ability to turn her political experience into financial success. Writing gave her a way to share her views while boosting her bank account.
Media Appearances
As a Fox News contributor, Liz earned $281,000 in 2012, per financial disclosures. She appeared on shows like Hannity and Fox News Sunday, using her political expertise to gain visibility and income. These media gigs were short-lived but lucrative, adding to her wealth before she ran for Senate in 2014. Her ability to leverage her name and experience in media shows how she diversified her income beyond government roles.
Real Estate and Investments
Liz Cheney’s wealth is heavily tied to real estate and investments. She and her husband, Philip Perry, own properties in Wyoming and Virginia. Their $1.9 million log home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, bought in 2012, sits in a wealthy area near the Tetons. They also own a $1.6 million seven-bedroom home in McLean, Virginia, purchased in 2006. Financial disclosures show a 1,000-acre ranch in Wyoming, valued at millions, used for hunting and fishing. Liz also inherited a $5 million ranch from her father in Niobrara County.
Her investments include $3 million in Citibank and $3 million tied to her husband’s law firm, Latham & Watkins. These assets, along with family trusts, have grown her wealth significantly. While some claim her net worth jumped from $7 million to $44 million during her congressional years, these figures are debated and may include inherited wealth.
Wyoming Properties
Liz’s Wyoming real estate is a big part of her fortune. Her Jackson Hole home, bought for $1.9 million, is in a gated community with stunning Teton views. The 1,000-acre Teton County ranch, worth several million, is a popular spot for outdoor activities. The Niobrara County ranch, inherited from her father, is used for cattle grazing and farming. These properties show how real estate has boosted her wealth, especially in Wyoming’s high-value markets.
Financial Holdings
Liz’s financial disclosures list significant holdings, including $3 million in Citibank and $3 million in Latham & Watkins, where her husband is a partner. She also has mutual funds valued between $725,000 and $1.2 million and savings accounts worth up to $6.6 million. These investments, combined with family trusts, have grown her wealth steadily. While some sources question the rapid growth of her net worth, her diverse portfolio explains much of her financial success.
Controversies Surrounding Her Wealth
Liz Cheney’s wealth has sparked debate, especially among critics. Some sources, like Breitbart, claim her net worth grew from $7 million in 2017 to $44 million by 2020, raising questions about how she earned so much in Congress. Posts on X have echoed these claims, suggesting her wealth came from questionable deals, though no evidence supports this. Others argue her fortune comes from legal work, book deals, and inherited assets, not illegal activity. Her husband’s ties to Latham & Watkins, which has worked with Chinese firms, have also been scrutinized, but no wrongdoing has been proven.
These controversies often tie to her political stances, especially her criticism of Trump. Critics use her wealth to question her integrity, while supporters say her financial success reflects her hard work and family background. The truth likely lies in a mix of her career earnings and inherited wealth, not speculation.
Claims of Rapid Wealth Growth
Some reports, like one from the Center for Responsive Politics, suggest Liz’s net worth grew dramatically during her time in Congress. Critics point to her $174,000 salary and question how she reached $44 million. However, her financial disclosures show income from investments, real estate, and book deals, not just her salary. Without evidence of illegal activity, these claims seem exaggerated and tied to political disagreements rather than hard facts.
Political Backlash
Liz’s wealth has been a lightning rod for critics, especially Trump supporters. Her vote to impeach Trump and her role on the January 6 committee made her a target. Posts on X have accused her of corruption, tying her wealth to her political stances. Yet, her financial growth aligns with her long career in law, media, and politics, plus her family’s wealth. The backlash seems more about her anti-Trump stance than concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
Conclusion
Liz Cheney’s net worth, estimated between $14 million and $47 million, reflects a mix of her political salary, legal career, book deals, real estate, and family inheritance. Her time in Congress, her work in the State Department, and her media ventures built a strong financial foundation. Properties in Wyoming and Virginia, plus investments like Citibank and Latham & Watkins, have grown her wealth. While controversies swirl about how she amassed her fortune, much of it ties to her hard work and family legacy. Liz Cheney remains a polarizing figure, but her financial success shows her ability to leverage her skills and background in a competitive world.
