Don Blankenship Net Worth

Don Blankenship: Net Worth, Career, and Controversies

Don Blankenship net worth and salary: Don Blankenship is an American businessman and former coal magnate with a net worth of $40 million. Born in Stopover, Kentucky, on March 14, 1950, Blankenship has had a significant impact on the coal industry and American politics.

Early Life and Career

Don Blankenship graduated from Marshall University and began his career in the coal industry in 1972. By 2000, he became the Chairman and CEO of Massey Energy Company, a position he held until 2010. During his tenure, Massey Energy became one of the largest coal producers in the United States.

Legal Issues and Convictions

In 2014, Blankenship was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy, making false statements, and securities fraud related to the tragic death of 29 miners at Massey's Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia, on April 5, 2010. These charges could have led to a 30-year prison sentence. However, in December 2015, he was found guilty of a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy and was acquitted on felony charges of lying about safety procedures. Consequently, he was sentenced to one year in prison and fined $250,000.

He served his entire one-year sentence and was released subsequently.

Financial Influence and Political Pursuits

Blankenship was a notable financial supporter of the Republican Party. In 2009, he earned $17.8 million, positioning him as the highest-paid individual in the coal industry for that year. His earnings in 2008 were $19.7 million and $6 million in 2007. Additionally, in 2010, it was revealed that he had a deferred compensation package valued at $27 million.

In 2018, Don Blankenship launched a campaign for the US Senate. He produced several videos as part of his Senate race, which included sharp critiques of Mitch McConnell and featured extremely racist and derogatory false statements.