Who Is Elaine Chao? Age, Biography and Wiki
Elaine Chao, born on March 26, 1953, is a prominent American government official with a robust record of service, particularly as the 24th U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. Chao's career spans various sectors, including transportation, education, and labor. With over four decades of experience in public service and government, she has remained a notable figure in American politics and policy-making.
As of 2025, Elaine Chao is 72 years old. Throughout her career, Chao has been recognized for her efforts in advancing infrastructure development and enhancing transportation safety in the United States.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1953 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Taiwan |
Popularity
Elaine Chao's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Elaine Chao stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). While her weight is not publicly disclosed, she maintains a healthy and active lifestyle that complements her busy schedule. Her body measurements reflect her commitment to health, although specific statistics are not known.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Elaine Chao is married to Mitch McConnell, a senior U.S. Senator from Kentucky, since 1993. The couple has remained a powerful presence in American politics, often seen together at events and functions. They do not have any children. Chao and McConnell share a strong bond, backed by their mutual political interests and accomplishments.
She immigrated to the United States when she was eight years old. Her father founded the Foremost Group, an American shipping company based in New York. Chao was raised in Queens, New York, and on Long Island, and received degrees from Mount Holyoke College and Harvard Business School.
She worked for financial institutions before being appointed to senior positions in the Department of Transportation under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, including chair of the Federal Maritime Commission (1988–1989) and Deputy Secretary of Transportation (1989–1991).
She served as director of the Peace Corps from 1991 to 1992 and as president of the United Way of America from 1993 to 1996.
Net Worth and Salary
Elaine Chao's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $30 million. Her wealth stems from her extensive career in government, various board memberships, and investments. Chao has held notable positions with significant salaries, including her time as Secretary of Transportation and other influential roles in the private sector.
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Chao's Department of Labor disbursed grants to provide temporary jobs to assist in cleanup and restoration efforts in New York, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's monitoring of health and safety of cleanup work being performed at the disaster sites including lower Ma
nhattan.
The department also provided unemployment insurance and income support to those who lost their jobs in the aftermath of September 11.
Career, Business and Investments
Before her tenure as Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao served as the Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009. She also worked in different roles, including President of United Way of America and the Director of the Peace Corps. Chao has a substantial background in business, having held various board positions in leading organizations, enhancing her reputation as a savvy and accomplished executive.
In addition to her public service, Chao has been involved in philanthropic activities and investments that align with her interests in education, health, and community service.
Chao received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. In the second semester of her junior year, she studied money and banking at Dartmouth College. She received an MBA degree from Harvard Business School.
Social Network
Elaine Chao maintains a low but effective profile on social media. She is active on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where she shares insights from her career, highlights on transportation policies, and her views on current political events. Her social media presence allows her to connect with followers while maintaining her focus on public service and advocacy.
Critics have claimed that her family's shipping company, Foremost Group has ties to China. From January 2018 to April 2019, 72% of the total tonnage of chartered cargo shipped by Foremost was shipped to and from China.
During Mitch McConnell's reelection campaign in 2020, his Democratic opponent Amy McGrath accused McConnell of making "millions from China." The Washington Post called these claims "spurious" and rated them "three Pinocchios" out of a possible four.
Education
Elaine Chao is a highly educated individual, holding a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Mount Holyoke College. She further advanced her education by obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School. Her academic background laid the foundation for her successful career in both business and government, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to influence public policies effectively.
Chao attended Tsai Hsing Elementary School in Taiwan for kindergarten and first grade. She attended Syosset High School in Syosset, New York, in Nassau County on Long Island and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen at the age of 19.
