Do you know what are the things presidents pay for themselves?
The President of the United States is one of the most important figures in the country, and it’s a tough job that not just anyone can do. Campaigning for the office takes years of preparation, education, and a rigorous application process, ultimately leaving the decision in the hands of the people.
But once the Oval Office is yours, there are a couple of rules and protocols you need to follow, including everyday things you need to part ways with while you’re at the White House. The good news is that being the leader of America comes with a few perks, like traveling in Air Force One, staying in one of the most gorgeous houses in the country, and not to mention a nice six-figure annual salary.
While that might sound like a lot of money, there are some things presidents pay for themselves. After all, they’re people just like the rest of us, aren’t they? So, if you want to know what the expenses are that our leaders pay out of pocket, keep reading:
1. Groceries
Even though the beautiful White House comes with its own magnificent chef, the presidential family has to take care of the groceries themselves. This information was confirmed by one of the most loved first ladies, Michelle Obama, who said during a talk show that she believes the rule is fair.
Ms. Obama said that since the rent and staff are free, they shouldn’t be mooching off taxpayers. We appreciate her approach—what’s your take on this? Leave a comment below, and let’s chat!
2. Dry cleaning
The First Family always looks impeccable wherever they go, and the cost of looking their best falls on them. That means a specific dry cleaner in Washington, D.C., is trusted with the leader’s laundry. Pretty interesting, right?
3. Designer clothing
Presidents and their beautiful wives aren’t required to wear designer clothing, but if they want to, they have to pay for the special garments themselves. However, designers can gift the First Family outfits, but they have to be donated after one wear (this includes many of the stunning gowns worn by first ladies on Inauguration Day).
Former First Lady Laura Bush shared more about this in her memoir, “Spoken From the Heart,” in which she shared that there were a couple of costs she wasn’t prepared for. She mentioned being amazed by the staggering number of designer garments she was expected to purchase—just like the First Ladies before her—to meet the role’s expectations.
4. General household necessities
As beautiful as a house can be, it can’t be considered a home unless it contains a couple of things we need, such as toothpaste, toilet paper, or garbage bags, to name a few. While living at the White House is a fantastic perk of being the leader of the country, the stuff inside it is paid for out of pocket.
Since the First Family doesn’t have to worry about mortgage or utility bills, it doesn’t seem like a big deal to cover a few other expenses—at least, that’s what Ms. Bush wrote in her memoir.
5. Gifts for foreign dignitaries
When other heads of state or government visit America, it’s expected that our president will give them a gift. However, according to sources, the gift is paid from the president’s pocket.
And that’s not all—there’s also an exclusive Diplomatic Gifts Unit within the Office of the Chief of Protocol. This team works closely with the president’s staff, the vice president, and the secretary of state to select the perfect gifts.
Seems like a pretty big deal, doesn’t it?
6. Their personal homes
Even if the First Family lives at the White House during the presidential mandate, they still have to take care of their personal homes, don’t they? According to experts, the president has to take care of his home, mortgage, and upkeep expenses out of pocket.
For example, Barack Obama continued paying the mortgage on his Chicago home throughout his time in office. What do you think about that? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat!
7. Staff for private events
If a president wants to hold a private party at the White House, he can, but he’s responsible for paying the costs, and that includes food, waiters, cleanup crew, and every other aspect involved in the event.
Do you think this is fair, or should taxpayers cover the cost of a president’s private party at the White House? Let’s chat in the comments!
8. Vacation accommodations
Everyone deserves a little time off, and considering how tough a president’s job is, no wonder they need a vacation from time to time. But here’s the thing, when the First Family goes on vacation, they have to foot the bill for the rental house or hotel they choose to stay in.
Besides that, they also have to pay for their own food and incidentals during their time off. Sounds a lot like what we cover on vacation—except security and travel costs are taken care of.
…Did you know that Camp David and staying with friends are exceptions to the rule?
9. Some interior decor
Even though Congress appropriates funds for the repair, care, maintenance, and refurnishing of the stunning presidential residence and its grounds, not everything is covered. For instance, during Bill Clinton’s second term, Congress approved a $100,000 stipend to redecorate parts of the White House.
But according to the White House Historical Association, if the First Family spends more than that, they have to cover the extra cost out of pocket. Since everyone wants to make themselves feel at home, some families don’t mind splurging on decor.
According to a 2017 report, the Trump administration spent $1.75 million on White House furniture and offices, while the Obama administration spent about $1.5 million in a similar timeframe. Looks like different styles come with different budgets, and we’re all about it!
10. Some legal fees
In some cases, the First Family has to foot the bill for their own legal fees. According to sources, this was the case of Bill and Hilary Clinton, who left the White House with $16 million in debt.
As the sources mentioned, the legal costs piled up during his presidency due to defense attorney fees for scandal investigations and the impeachment proceedings.
11. Hairstylists
First ladies are always photographed by paparazzi and looked upon by women worldwide, so no wonder they always try their best to look stylish and put together. And they always nail it, don’t you think?
Ms. Bush mentioned that all the women in the White House before her received a lot of attention, so she hired her own hairstylist for a stunning daily blowout. And yes, the Bush family covered this expense themselves. It might’ve been expensive, but her hair always looked out of this world.
What are your thoughts on these expenses the president of the United States has to pay himself? Let’s chat in the comments below! If you’d like to know more about the leader of America and what being at the White House implies, leave your requests below, and I’ll take care of them sooner than you think!
Until next time, here’s another great post from Trending Now you won’t want to miss: Trump’s Order: Will the JFK Files Finally Be Revealed?
