“Get Paid Nothing and Work for 7 Years”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Reflected on His Decision to Forsake His Governor’s Salary That He Called “Petty Cash” in 2013

Arnold Schwarzenegger has excelled in many verticals. In 2003, the seven-time Mr. Olympia deprioritized acting, stepped into the world of politics, and became the Governor of California after beating Democrat Gray Davis. However, unlike other politicians, Arnold refused to accept the $187,000 governor’s salary.

The former Mr. Olympia once said the governor’s salary was “petty cash.” However, he had good reason to give up the money. In 2013, the seven-time Mr. Olympia reflected on his decision during an interview.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reflects on the noble reason behind such a massive decision

In 2013, Arnold starred in the movie, The Last Stand. While promoting the film, Arnold sat down for an interview with TIME magazine. During the interview, Arnold reflected on his decision to forsake the $187,000 salary as the Governor of California. “I think that was really a wonderful experience, kind of very challenging experience to be a public servant,” said Arnold.

Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that he had no regrets about not accepting a single penny of his salary for two terms. “To get paid nothing and to work for seven years… For the people of California,” gave Arnold immense joy. It motivated the bodybuilding icon to work harder and to serve the state and its people. He said it was worth every penny to “give something back to the state,”

The actor also revealed his philanthropic indulgences to other causes. Besides not accepting his “petty cash” salary, the Governator contributed around $43 million to campaign funds and other necessities. In fact, Arnold wanted to contribute as much as possible and had no ill feelings about it.

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During his time as the state governor, the Terminator actor tackled crucial issues like the economy and budget issues of the state. He also introduced a revolutionary law on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Living up to his iconic one-liner

“I’ll be back,” is one of Arnold’s most iconic one-liners. Even though the veteran bodybuilder enjoyed starring in movies, his tenure as the state governor withheld the Austrian Oak from the Hollywood film industry. Remaining true to his iconic one-liner, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to acting. While The Last Stand was technically a wash, it was 2013’s Escape Plan that became an international hit.

Escape Plan earned over $137 million worldwide. In 2019, the Austrian Oak returned to the Terminator franchise with Terminator: Dark Fate.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger and his people skills are well-known. As an extension of that, the Governator’s “petty cash” salary remark wasn’t an insult to public servants, but rather him using the money to give something back to the people who elected him.