“Free markets are the best path to prosperity.” — Larry Kudlow
Larry Kudlow is an American economist, conservative commentator, and television host, best known as the 12th Director of the National Economic Council (2018–2021) under President Donald Trump. He is currently the host of Kudlow on Fox Business Network and serves as vice chair of the America First Policy Institute. Kudlow’s career spans Wall Street, government service, and media, making him one of the most recognizable voices in U.S. economic policy.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lawrence Alan Kudlow |
| Birthdate | August 20, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Englewood, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (later converted to Roman Catholicism) |
| Age | 79 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Hair | Grey |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Education | University of Rochester (B.A. History); attended Princeton University (no degree) |
| Profession | Economist, Commentator, Policy Advisor |
| Employer | Fox Business Network; America First Policy Institute |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
| Years Active | 1970s–Present |
| Awards | Recognition for economic commentary and broadcasting |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10–15 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo ♌ |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
- Parents: Irving Howard Kudlow and Ruth Kudlow.
- Spouses: Nancy Gerstein (1974–1975), Susan Cullman Sicher (1981–divorced), and Judith Pond (married 1986).
- Children: None publicly documented.
Early Life & Education
Kudlow grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, in a Jewish household. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1969 with a degree in history and briefly attended Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Though not formally trained in economics, he developed a strong grasp of markets and policy early in his career.
Career Journey
Kudlow began as a junior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, later moving to Wall Street with Paine Webber and Bear Stearns, where he became chief economist. In 1981, he joined the Reagan administration, advocating supply‑side economics and tax cuts.
After leaving government, Kudlow returned to Wall Street before transitioning to media in the late 1990s. He became a prominent voice on CNBC, hosting Kudlow & Cramer and The Kudlow Report. In 2018, President Trump appointed him Director of the National Economic Council, where he coordinated economic policy until 2021. Today, Kudlow hosts Kudlow on Fox Business and continues to influence conservative economic thought.
Major Works
- Economic policy leadership in the Reagan administration
- Chief Economist at Bear Stearns (1987–1994)
- Host of The Kudlow Report (CNBC)
- Director of the National Economic Council (2018–2021)
- Host of Kudlow on Fox Business Network
Awards & Recognition
- Widely recognized as a leading advocate of supply‑side economics
- Honored for contributions to economic commentary and broadcasting
Public Persona & Style
Larry Kudlow is known for:
- Advocacy of tax cuts and deregulation
- Optimistic, free‑market economic philosophy
- Clear, accessible commentary on complex financial issues
- Resilience after overcoming addiction and health challenges
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Kudlow resides in New York City, balancing his media career with policy advocacy. He is a practicing Roman Catholic and openly discusses his recovery from substance abuse, crediting faith and discipline for his turnaround.
Physical Appearance
Medium build, standing at 5 ft 10 in (178 cm), with grey hair and brown eyes, presenting a polished, professional television presence.
Salary & Net Worth
His estimated net worth is $10–15 million, primarily from broadcasting, consulting, and government service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Larry Kudlow? He is an economist, commentator, and former director of the National Economic Council.
What is Larry Kudlow’s background? He worked in government, Wall Street, and media, advocating supply‑side economics.
Is Larry Kudlow married? Yes, he has been married three times, currently to Judith Pond.
What is Larry Kudlow’s net worth? Estimated between $10 and $15 million.
Related Figures
Legacy
Larry Kudlow’s legacy lies in his advocacy of supply‑side economics, his role in shaping Reagan and Trump‑era economic policy, and his influence as a broadcaster and commentator.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Born August 20 in Englewood, New Jersey |
| 1969 | Graduated from the University of Rochester (B.A. History) |
| 1970s | Junior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York |
| 1981 | Joined Reagan’s administration as Associate Director for Economics & Planning, OMB |
| 1987–1994 | Chief Economist at Bear Stearns |
| Late 1990s | Transitioned to media after overcoming addiction |
| 2001–2014 | Hosted Kudlow & Cramer and The Kudlow Report on CNBC |
| 2018–2021 | Director of the National Economic Council under President Trump |
| 2021–Present | Host of Kudlow on Fox Business Network; Vice Chair at America First Policy Institute |
Interesting Facts
- Kudlow began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
- He was once a Democrat, working on campaigns with figures like Bill Clinton and John Podesta, before switching to the Republican Party in 1981.
- He overcame a public battle with cocaine and alcohol addiction in the 1990s.
- He suffered a heart attack in 2018 but recovered.
- He converted from Judaism to Roman Catholicism.
Sources
- Fox Business Network profile
- CNBC archives
- National Economic Council records
- Media interviews and coverage