Who was Forbes’ richest American on the 2024 Forbes 400 list?

Elon Musk was Forbes’ richest American on the 2024 Forbes 400 list.

The Forbes 400 ranks the wealthiest people in the United States by estimated net worth. Musk’s fortune was linked mainly to his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, along with holdings connected to his other companies. His position has changed sharply over time because technology-company valuations and Tesla’s share price fluctuate.

The Forbes 400 is different from Forbes’ global World’s Billionaires list. The Forbes 400 includes only U.S. residents or citizens meeting the ranking’s eligibility rules, while the global list covers billionaires worldwide. Musk also appeared near the top of the global ranking, but the two lists use different publication dates and methodologies.

A common mix-up is confusing the Forbes 400 with the Forbes list of America’s richest families. The Forbes 400 is an individual-focused ranking, although inherited wealth and family-owned businesses can contribute to a person’s estimated fortune.