Trump Targets TVA CEO's Hefty Salary

Former president criticizes compensation for head of federal utility agency.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:24am

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Former President Donald Trump has renewed his focus on the hefty salary of the Tennessee Valley Authority's CEO, Don Moul, who recently announced plans to retire. Trump has long been critical of the federal utility agency's executive compensation, arguing that the CEO's pay is excessive and out of line with similar roles.

Why it matters

The TVA is a federally owned corporation that provides electricity to millions of customers across seven states. Trump's criticism of the CEO's pay highlights an ongoing debate over executive compensation at government-affiliated entities, as well as the former president's continued influence on political discourse.

The details

Moul, who has led the TVA since 2020, is set to receive an annual salary of $8 million, making him one of the highest-paid federal employees. Trump has repeatedly called for the TVA to reduce its CEO's compensation, arguing that it is an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. The former president has also criticized the TVA's reliance on coal-fired power plants, which he views as outdated and inefficient.

  • Moul announced his plans to retire as TVA CEO in April 2026.
  • Trump has been critical of the TVA's CEO pay since at least 2020.

The players

Don Moul

The outgoing CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, who is set to receive an annual salary of $8 million.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has repeatedly criticized the TVA's CEO compensation as excessive.

Tennessee Valley Authority

A federally owned corporation that provides electricity to millions of customers across seven states in the southeastern United States.

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What they’re saying

“The Tennessee Valley Authority's CEO makes far too much money, especially for a government-run entity. It's an outrage and a slap in the face to hardworking Americans.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

What’s next

The TVA's board of directors will be responsible for selecting a new CEO to replace the retiring Don Moul, and they will likely face continued scrutiny over the compensation package for the role.

The takeaway

The debate over the TVA CEO's salary highlights the ongoing tensions between government-affiliated entities, their executive compensation, and public perception of how taxpayer money is being spent. As the TVA transitions to new leadership, the issue is likely to remain a point of contention in the political sphere.