Richard Scaife Net Worth

What was Richard Scaife's net worth?

Richard Scaife was an American businessman who had a net worth of $1.3 billion. A member of the wealthy Mellon family, Scaife inherited a fortune tied to banking, oil, and steel, which he leveraged to become one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in American politics during the late 20th century. Through his foundations, he poured hundreds of millions of dollars into institutions like the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute, helping to shape conservative policy on issues ranging from taxes to foreign policy. Beyond politics, he owned and published the "Pittsburgh Tribune-Review," investing heavily in local journalism as a counterbalance to what he considered liberal-leaning competitors. Scaife was also a major supporter of cultural, medical, and environmental causes in his home state of Pennsylvania. His career was marked by both controversy and influence: he became known as a powerful force in the movement that opposed President Bill Clinton while simultaneously funding efforts to preserve art, history, and community institutions.

Early Life

Richard Mellon Scaife was born on July 3, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into the prominent Mellon family. His mother, Sarah Mellon, was an heiress to the Mellon Bank fortune, while his father, Alan Scaife, was a successful businessman. He attended Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh and Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts before enrolling at Yale University. While at Yale, Scaife was seriously injured in an accident, which cut short his time there. He later completed his degree at the University of Pittsburgh. His family connections and inherited wealth placed him among America's richest individuals, giving him the resources to pursue publishing and philanthropy on a grand scale.

Publishing Career

In the 1970s, Scaife acquired control of several regional newspapers, most notably the "Greensburg Tribune-Review." Over time, he expanded it into the "Pittsburgh Tribune-Review," which became his flagship media outlet. Scaife invested millions into building the paper as an alternative to the "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette," which he considered too liberal. Under his leadership, the "Tribune-Review" was known for its conservative editorial stance, particularly in the 1990s during the Clinton administration, when Scaife gained national attention for financing investigations and stories critical of the president.

Philanthropy and Political Influence

Scaife became one of the most important funders of the modern conservative movement. Through the Sarah Scaife Foundation, the Allegheny Foundation, and the Carthage Foundation, he directed vast sums toward think tanks and advocacy groups. The Heritage Foundation, in particular, benefited greatly from his support, enabling it to become one of the most influential conservative policy organizations in Washington, D.C. He also funded the American Enterprise Institute, Judicial Watch, and the Federalist Society, among others. His philanthropy extended beyond politics: he contributed to museums, historic preservation efforts, universities, and environmental groups within Pennsylvania.

Clinton Controversies

During the 1990s, Scaife drew widespread attention for financing investigations into President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. His foundations supported journalists and organizations that pursued stories about alleged scandals, including Whitewater and other controversies. Critics often accused Scaife of bankrolling a "vast right-wing conspiracy," a phrase famously used by Hillary Clinton. Although many of the allegations did not result in legal consequences for the Clintons, Scaife's role cemented his reputation as one of the most combative figures in American political philanthropy.

Personal Life

Scaife lived much of his life in Pittsburgh, where he maintained estates and was a significant figure in local civic affairs. He married twice: first to Frances Gilmore in 1956, with whom he had two children, and later to Margaret "Ritchie" Battle, whom he divorced in a high-profile and contentious split. Despite his reputation as a reclusive figure, Scaife's personal relationships and philanthropic decisions frequently attracted media attention.

Death and Legacy

Richard Mellon Scaife died on July 4, 2014, at the age of 82. At the time of his death, he had donated an estimated $1.3 billion to a wide array of causes, from conservative politics to local Pittsburgh institutions. His legacy remains deeply polarizing: praised by conservatives as a visionary who strengthened their movement, and criticized by opponents as a shadowy force who fueled partisanship. Beyond politics, he left a lasting imprint on the cultural and civic life of Pittsburgh through his support of art, education, and community initiatives.

Who's Richer?

Richard
Scaife

Compare!

Hansjörg
Wyss