The Most Powerful People in the World Aren't Always the Richest

As general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, president of the People's Republic of China, and head of one of the world's largest military forces, Xi has consolidated power not seen in China since Mao’s time.

His policies drive China's economic and geopolitical rise, affecting trade, tech, and even pop culture worldwide. China is a global superpower whose development model is closely watched by other countries.

The president of the United States leads the largest economy and commands a vast military and intelligence apparatus. In a world where the U.S. dollar remains the dominant international currency, the occupant of the Oval Office carries enormous influence.

Whether it’s climate policy, NATO strategy, or tech regulation, Trump's decisions ripple across continents. Despite checks from democracy and Congress, the U.S. president remains a powerful person in different scenarios.

He runs Tesla and SpaceX, is executive chair of X (formerly Twitter), and shapes industries from space travel to AI. Musk isn't just a tech CEO; he is currently the richest person in the world (net worth over $330 billion as of 2025).

His sway over public opinion, cryptocurrencies, and electric vehicles puts him at the core of the business world. Love him or despise him, he has significant power.

As prime minister of India—a democracy with over 1.4 billion people—Modi controls policy in a fast-growing economic and military superpower. His government impacts everything from climate negotiations to regional stability in South Asia and the Middle East.

In a multipolar world, India’s rise makes Modi a vital figure in global leadership.

Chair of the Federal Reserve, Powell arguably holds more sway over global finance than any Wall Street CEO. By setting interest rates and steering monetary policy, he affects inflation, employment, and the value of currencies.

When Powell speaks, markets move. His influence touches people's lives in ways they often don’t notice until their mortgage changes.

As Russia's president, Putin heads a nuclear-armed state with a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

Despite economic sanctions, his decisions—like the war in Ukraine—can destabilize entire regions. His leadership style, often authoritarian, shows how power can be maintained even when opposed by many countries.

Apple's CEO controls one of the most valuable companies in history. Apple shapes how billions communicate, learn, and entertain themselves.

Cook's leadership style is quieter than Musk's, but his influence is steady and vast, making him a chief figure in the tech industry.

Crown prince and prime minister of Saudi Arabia, MBS steers the world's largest oil exporter. He leads a kingdom crucial to global energy markets and increasingly influential in business, music, and tech.

His investments through the Public Investment Fund and sway over OPEC+ make him one of the most powerful men in the Middle East.

As president of the European Commission, von der Leyen sets the European Commission’s policy agenda, shaping EU policy.

Her influence spans climate goals, digital regulation, and global trade. Leading the EU in turbulent times makes her a powerful person in global politics and finance.

He no longer runs Microsoft, but as cofounder and philanthropist, Gates remains one of the most influential people in science, public health, and climate solutions. Through the Gates Foundation, he channels billions into solving global challenges.

His leadership style shows that power doesn't have to come from office.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.