Encyclopedia · Biography

Rick Santelli

American financial commentator and former derivatives trader

Personal details

Born: July 6, 1956 · Chicago, Illinois (reported biography)
Education: Willowbrook High School; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, economics B.S. (reported 1979)
Occupation: Futures trader; CNBC on-air editor and market commentator
Known for: February 19, 2009 CNBC commentary calling for a “Chicago Tea Party”
Political party: Not established in reviewed primary biographical records

Rick Santelli (born 1956) is an American financial commentator and former derivatives trader whose February 2009 televised remarks helped popularize the “Tea Party” label during debates about federal mortgage assistance.

Early life and training

Santelli grew up in the Chicago area, attended Willowbrook High School and later studied economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. More precise details about his parents and household are not independently established by the professional biographical sources reviewed.

Financial career

Santelli began working at Chicago futures markets in 1979. His work included trading and executive roles at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Geldermann, Rand Financial Services and Sanwa Futures before joining CNBC in June 1999 as an on-air market editor reporting from Chicago trading floors.

February 2009 remarks

On February 19, 2009 Santelli criticized federal mortgage relief policy during a live CNBC segment and called for a Chicago Tea Party. The remarks spread widely and were cited during the emergence of Tea Party activism. Making the broadcast does not establish that Santelli established or directed later independent Tea Party organizations.

References