Left Behind

The threshold to earn a spot on this year’s Forbes 400 climbed to a record $2.9 billion, $800 million more than a year ago. Of the 51 who dropped out of the ranks, 31 are richer than they were in 2020; only 13 are poorer.

The threshold to earn a spot on this year’s Forbes 400 climbed to a record $2.9 billion, $800 million more than a year ago. Of the 51 who dropped out of the ranks, 31 are richer than they were in 2020; only 13 are poorer. In addition, five members of last year’s class passed away.

In addition, five members of last year’s class passed away. Donald Trump $2.5 billion

Most officials divest when they take office, but Trump refused in 2017, clinging to his then– $3.5 billion fortune. Bad move. If he'd shifted his money into the S&P 500, he'd be worth at least $4.7 billion, enough to rank No. 229. Instead, he's off the list for the first time in 25 years.

Jim Koch $2 billion

Boston Beer Company, which he cofounded and chairs, bet big on its fi ve-year-old hard seltzer line, Truly, even hiring pop star Dua Lipa in May to promote it. Those efforts fell flat, and shares have tumbled more than 50% since April on news of its disappointing sales.

Oprah Winfrey $2.6 billion

Oprah drops off for the first time since 1995 despite her fortune holding steady, as others passed her by. She's still a powerhouse: Her March interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attracted more than 70 million viewers and earned her an Emmy nomination.

Trevor Milton $1 billion

In July, U.S. prosecutors charged Milton with fraud for allegedly lying about his electric truck startup, Nikola, to drive up its share price. He had taken the company public via a SPAC in June 2020; the stock is down more than 70% in the past year. He has pleaded not guilty.