Childhood and Education Journey of Wilbur Ross in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 3, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Wilbur Ross. From birth to education, explore key events.

Wilbur Louis Ross Jr. is an American businessman and politician. He served as the 39th United States Secretary of Commerce from 2017 to 2021 under the Trump administration. Prior to his political career, Ross was chairman and CEO of WL Ross & Co. from 2000 to 2017, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the world of business and investment. As Secretary of Commerce, he played a key role in shaping trade policies and economic strategies.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

November 28, 1937: Wilbur Ross Born

On November 28, 1937, Wilbur Louis Ross Jr. was born. He later became an American businessman and the 39th United States Secretary of Commerce.

1955: Graduation from Xavier High School

In 1955, Wilbur Ross graduated from Xavier High School in Manhattan, where he participated in track and led the rifle team.

1959: Graduation from Yale College

In 1959, Wilbur Ross received a bachelor's degree from Yale College, where he was involved with literary magazines and the radio station.

1961: Marriage to Judith Nodine

In 1961, Wilbur Ross married Judith Nodine.

1961: Graduation from Harvard Business School

In 1961, Wilbur Ross received a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, further advancing his education.

1962: Birth of Jessica Colby Ross

In 1962, Jessica Colby Ross, the child of Wilbur Ross and Judith Nodine, was born.

1965: Birth of Amanda Colby Ross

In 1965, Amanda Colby Ross, the child of Wilbur Ross and Judith Nodine, was born.

1995: Divorce from Judith Nodine and Marriage to Betsy McCaughey

In 1995, Wilbur Ross divorced Judith Nodine and married his second wife, Betsy McCaughey, who was the Lieutenant Governor of New York.

January 1998: Funding Betsy McCaughey's Campaign

In January 1998, Wilbur Ross provided $2.25 million in seed money for the campaign of his then-wife, Betsy McCaughey, who was seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor of New York.

2000: Divorce from Betsy McCaughey

In 2000, Wilbur Ross divorced his second wife, Betsy McCaughey.

October 9, 2004: Marriage to Hilary Geary

On October 9, 2004, Wilbur Ross married his third wife, Hilary Geary Ross, who is a society writer for Quest magazine.

2004: Described as a supporter of protectionism

In 2004, The Economist described Wilbur Ross as a supporter of protectionism.

2011: Donations to Republican Candidates

Since at least 2011, Wilbur Ross began donating to Republican candidates and organizations.

November 2016: Registered Republican

In November 2016, Wilbur Ross registered as a Republican.

December 2016: Brexit as a "God-given opportunity"

In December 2016, after being designated by Trump as his nominee to lead the Commerce Department, Wilbur Ross said that Brexit was a "God-given opportunity" for other countries to draw business away from the UK.

December 2016: Purchase of Washington D.C. House

In December 2016, while his Manhattan penthouse apartment at The Briarcliffe was on the market, Wilbur Ross purchased a 10,000 square foot house in the Massachusetts Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C., from Adrienne Arsht for $10,750,000.

February 2017: Forbes Reported Ross's Net Worth

In February 2017, Forbes reported that Wilbur Ross had a net worth of $2.5 billion. This was later revised to $600 million after financial disclosure forms showed less than $700 million in assets.

September 2017: Travel to Beijing for Trade War De-escalation

In September 2017, Wilbur Ross traveled to Beijing as part of efforts to de-escalate the U.S.–China trade war.

2017: Trade deal with the UK as a low priority

In 2017, Wilbur Ross said that a trade deal with the UK was a low priority for the Trump administration, though he outlined possible terms.

February 2018: Commerce Department Recommended Tariff Increase

In February 2018, the Commerce Department, under Wilbur Ross's leadership, recommended an increase of tariffs on aluminum and steel imports.

March 1, 2018: Implementation of Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports

On March 1, 2018, the Trump administration implemented a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports.

September 2018: Tariffs Meant to "modify China's behavior"

In September 2018, Wilbur Ross stated that the tariffs implemented by the Trump administration were meant to "modify China's behavior".

2018: Trade War Concerns at World Economic Forum

At the 2018 World Economic Forum in Davos, Wilbur Ross addressed concerns about a trade war, stating that "There have always been trade wars. The difference now is U.S. troops are now coming to the ramparts."

2018: Purchase of house in The Berkshires

In 2018, Wilbur Ross purchased a $3.2 million house in The Berkshires.

2018: Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports from EU, Canada, and Mexico

In 2018, under the Trump administration and Wilbur Ross, the U.S. imposed tariffs on the import of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada, and Mexico.

January 2019: Announcement of Criminal Charges Against Huawei

In January 2019, Wilbur Ross was present with other American politicians when 23 criminal charges were announced against Huawei and its CFO Meng Wanzhou.

July 2019: Decision to Keep Huawei on Blacklist but Allow Licensed Sales

In July 2019, Wilbur Ross stated that the United States would keep Huawei on its blacklist but would allow licensed sales.

November 2019: Potential Tariffs on Automobile Imports from the EU

In November 2019, Wilbur Ross indicated that the Trump administration might also impose tariffs on imports of automobiles from the EU.

January 2020: Hopes for an "easy" agreement with the UK

In January 2020, Wilbur Ross and Steve Mnuchin stated that they hoped to have an "easy" agreement with the UK that year, though no such deal was concluded.

January 2020: Potential Tariffs on European Cars and Retaliation Against EU Carbon Tax

In January 2020, Wilbur Ross said that the Trump administration might still impose tariffs on European cars despite ongoing trade talks and threatened retaliation if the EU adopted a proposed carbon tax.