Harry S. Truman Quote

“You can't get rich in politics unless you're a crook.”

Harry S. Truman

~ Harry S. Truman
(1884-1972), 33rd US President
Attributed

Corruption , Government , Politics , President , Trust

Ratings and Comments

SY SIDEBOTHAM, BEDFORD NH 6/25/08

Ben, Orem, UT 12/3/08

Well said by a crook himself

Sharon Ben, Orem, UT 9/16/19

I can't remember reading that Truman was rich. As for Trump he was rich before he became president.

RegT, SW Montana Sharon 12/18/19

Truman was almost broke when he left office. He was the reason that Presidents were given a pension upon leaving the White House.

Harry Truman said, "You can't get rich in politics unless you are a crook. It simply can't be done."

RegT, SW Montana Ben, Orem, UT 12/18/19

BS. Truman left office almost penniless. If he had been a crook, he would have done what Hillary did, selling her office to the highest bidders. Along with stealing most of the money that was supposed to go to the Haitians. She (even more than Bill whose only real interest, we are told, was in screwing as many women and girls as he could) was in it mainly for the money. That is indisputable.

Truman was voted a pension ($25K a year, modest even back then) because he was almost broke, and was in debt, when he left office. He was the reason Presidents started receiving a pension when they left office.

Neither of the Obamas had more than a few hundred thousand when they entered the White House, now they can afford to buy a $12 or $13 million dollar home on the shoreline at Martha's Vineyard, and still have plenty left over for a lavish lifestyle. They and the Clintons are perfect examples of Truman's quote.

Mike, Norwalk 12/3/08

John, Anytown Mike, Norwalk 7/31/20

It's been proven that most of the Obama money came from book sales. Look into the rewards given to Reagan and Bush AFTER they left office by the Saudis. They can't take bribes while in office. The loophole is all the kush they get after they sell us out.

john, grass valley Mike, Norwalk 10/17/20

$25,000/year was certainly NOT modest back then! I remember that an executive's salary in 1958 was about $10,000/yr.

John O, Mesa Mike, Norwalk 6/25/22

Oh, and Trump didn't take advantage of his position to boost his business income? Give me a break!

E Archer, NYC John O, Mesa 6/28/22

Prove it. Trump lost money. Unlike Obama who became enormously rich from his donors — 2 oceanfront houses in Hawaii and Nantucket worth over $25 million. The Hawaii property was a gift from a grateful Democrat.

Scoot4par, Ruston 12/3/08

"in" politics or "through" politics is becoming the only way to get rich... and yes it is crooked

jim k, austin 12/3/08

LBJ is a prime example.

Jon W, San Diego 12/3/08

Politicians have been the same throughout the history of mankind.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 12/3/08

Or by writing a book. Ben can you defed or explain calling Truman a crook. I am unfamiliar with that part of his history. Truman was generally seen as a straight shooter, honest, and forthright guy.

Michelle, Chippewa Falls 12/3/08

I've always noticed in amazement of how many in politics enter the political field, and within a short time, have a net worth into the millions, especially considering how little the actual offices pay. Maybe we should start taxing them with a windfall profits tax!!

E Archer, NYC 12/3/08

And since only millionaires can run for president, the bulk of their income derived from government contracts and services (Cheney comes to mind), then it seems that only crooks can become president! Politics is the game of the rich and powerful -- and there is a LOT of competition. While GWB never succeeded in private business, he will remain immensely rich for the rest of his days for all he has done for his NWO buddies -- he did everything he was supposed to do, and he will be handsomely rewarded.

rick, Los Angeles E Archer, NYC 4/18/21

you say, "Politics is the game of the rich and powerful . . . " You may want to add, psychopathic to the list of requirements.

RBESRQ 12/3/08

There are many politicians that are ethical and believe in honesty and not compromising their integrity, but unfortunately few last one term or end up in the White House.

Cosmas, Nyeri 12/10/08

Margret, Kakamega 12/10/08

sjc, NH 2/4/09

I think by today's headlines it has been proven to be the case. Latest crook ended up with a 5 million $ income on 175,000 senator's pay. He received this for 'consulting' yet wasn't labelled a lobbyist and gets to be nominated for a political office for group he 'consulted' for.

John, Troy 8/26/16

Having spent a career in and around politics, in two states, I can attest to this statement. There are, and have been, few honest people in politics over the years. The way to tell if they are honest is if when they get out of politics, they are not well off.

E Archer, NYC 8/29/16

The Clinton's have taken 'global graft' to a whole new level making hundreds of millions of dollars. Obama has acquired nearly $40 million in cash and property during his tenure as president. Gore stands to make billions in carbon credits and fluorescent bulbs. Disgusting, really...

Don, St Augustine 10/15/16

I've chased this quote to no end... and yet to find where and when Truman was supposed to have said it. The only places I find it are through people who say Truman said it or attribute it to him on various memes and blogspots. So... can ANYONE please direct me to the source?

Editor, Liberty Quotes 10/15/16

Don, we have also been unable to find the source of this quote. We have tagged it 'Attributed' as it is popularly attributed to Truman.

Bruski, Naples FL 10/20/16

Trump should have used this in his campaign.

Ronw13, Oregon 10/20/16

Truman was a sincere globalizing socialist ! He was ask to step down as President. Joe McCarthy pointed out Very Clearly the corruption in the State Department and U.S.army. Truman would know, he supported a crooked agenda.

Patrick Henry, Red Hill 10/20/16

Lamentably, it is they who are primarily animated by a will to possess power for whom political pursuits hold the greatest allure.

We are well past the days of Cincinnatus and George Washington.

HellaryRotten, DC 11/5/16

Lock her up

Kevin Finnerty, Brunswick,Ga 11/7/16

Any straight forward person with ethics can never be elected President. Too bad we are so selfish with little or no regard for the little guy.

Linda Roche, Uniontown, Pa 11/7/16

I think it is disgusting that the Clintons have become so rich, and then pretend they care about the blacks, the little guy, and also the Hispanics. It wasn't that long ago she stated they were broke. They became so wealthy giving speeches, and working for the government? How can Americans be so gullible to think she really cares?

Mrshall Boucher, Seffner Florida 11/26/20

Bill Clinton and Harry Truman were two of the most effective presidents we have ever had!

E Archer, NYC Mrshall Boucher, Seffner Florida 11/27/20

Effective at what? Ushering in socialism?

jim k, austin 12/3/20

E Archer, NYC 12/4/20

The Biden's have made a family fortune ever since Joe took office. So too the Pelosi's, Feinstein's, and so many more on both sides of the aisle having become multi-millionaires. In case you didn't know, there is a lot of money to be made in politics, and some people go into it for that very reason! Fascism is alive and well in the US government. Trump is independently wealthy and cannot be bought. The snakes have been squirming ever since the light has been shone on them.

Harry S. Truman Quote

“You can't get rich in politics unless you're a crook.”

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