How Much Is Warren Buffett Making Per Year in Interest from His Treasury Bills?

Warren Buffett, widely regarded as the greatest investor of all time, has amassed wealth through an extraordinary track record of smart investing.
Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett’s success is a testament to his ability to generate profits and cash flow from a variety of investments. One of the most impressive aspects of Buffett’s portfolio is his massive holdings in U.S. Treasuries, which are essentially government bonds issued by the U.S. government. These Treasuries provide a steady source of income, and recently, new data has revealed just how much Buffett is earning from these investments.
The Size of Buffett’s Treasury Holdings
As of the latest reports, Buffett holds a staggering $286 billion worth of U.S. Treasuries. This amount is mind-boggling and underscores the magnitude of his wealth. But what does that actually translate to in terms of income?
For his $286 billion in Treasuries, Buffett is receiving approximately $12.6 billion in annual interest. That’s right—$12.6 billion each year for simply holding these U.S. government bonds. This level of income is, to put it simply, extraordinary. It’s equivalent to roughly $80 per year for every taxpayer in the United States. Just imagine that: Buffett’s returns from Treasuries are so massive that they’re contributing significantly to the overall financial landscape of the U.S.
Warren Buffett is making $12,600,000,000 PER YEAR in interest from his treasury bills.
Insane! pic.twitter.com/KHzd0BqmMh
— Anthony Pompliano 🌪 (@APompliano) April 24, 2025
The Real Return on Treasuries
While $12.6 billion in annual interest might sound impressive, there’s more to the story. Over the past five years, inflation has taken a toll on the U.S. dollar. According to Truflation, the purchasing power of the dollar has decreased by more than 27%. This means that although Buffett is making a large sum of money from interest on his Treasuries, the real value of those payments is somewhat diminished due to inflation.
Furthermore, the interest rate environment has been fluctuating. Back in 2021 and into 2022, interest rates were much lower, and as a result, Buffett’s earnings from Treasuries weren’t as significant as they are now. This is an important consideration for Buffett, who always has an eye on the long-term financial landscape.
The Question of Holding or Selling Treasuries
Given the current inflationary pressures and fluctuating interest rates, one big question arises: Will Buffett continue to hold onto his $286 billion in Treasuries, or will he decide to sell them and reallocate his investments elsewhere? Much of this decision will hinge on the future direction of interest rates.
Many experts, including Buffett himself, have been speculating that the Federal Reserve may start cutting interest rates in the near future. If that happens, it could change the equation for Buffett and other Treasury holders. Lower interest rates could result in lower returns on new Treasury investments, potentially prompting Buffett to pivot toward other asset classes that offer better returns.
Will Buffett Continue to Hold U.S. Treasuries?
While Buffett’s current income from his Treasury holdings is impressive, it’s hard to say whether he will maintain this position indefinitely. As the financial landscape shifts, so too will Buffett’s investment strategy. He is known for being highly adaptable, and his decision on whether to continue holding $286 billion in Treasuries will depend on a variety of factors, including the broader economic environment and the future of interest rates.
However, there’s no doubt that Buffett’s current position is a powerful demonstration of his investing prowess. Earning $12.6 billion a year from U.S. Treasuries is a remarkable feat, and it further solidifies his reputation as one of the most successful investors of all time.