Being the President of the United States is tough. For four or eight years, you’re constantly making big decisions that affect the country and the world. You’re always on call, and it’s hard to relax knowing so much responsibility rests on your shoulders. But even after leaving office, there are still many rules and expectations that former presidents must follow.
Former presidents are expected to stick to certain behaviors and codes of conduct. Let’s explore these requirements and strong suggestions. Being president means honoring the office’s history and importance, even after returning to normal life!
Stipend Time
Every president gets a break after their term ends to help them adjust to life after the White House. They receive a financial stipend to live on for six months after leaving office. This money is meant to help with the transition. Even presidents who resign get this stipend. No matter how badly they did or how much the opposition hated them, they get six months of free money!
The idea is that presidents will use this time to find new jobs. Most presidents become consultants or write memoirs. Barack Obama famously made money with Netflix, and Donald Trump has his business projects. But if a president needs it, they have six months of free money to ease the transition. [1]
Earn That Pension
Former presidents are also expected to take advantage of a pension. Every former president gets a pension as soon as they leave office. The Former Presidents Act set this up to “maintain the dignity of the Office of the President.” They don’t want presidents to become poor after serving. The pension is pretty good, with an annual salary of over $200,000 as of 2017. Not bad for a retired politician!
Former presidents also get another $150,000 each year for the first two years after leaving office. This money is for hiring staff to help them transition back into private life. After two years, that amount is cut to $96,000. The expectation is that presidents stay dignified after leaving the White House, and taxpayer money is set aside for that reason. [2]
Still Get Briefings
All former presidents still get regular national security briefings. They aren’t updated as often as the current president, but they are expected to stay informed. This allows ex-presidents to advise current leaders during tough times. It also keeps them updated on American policy so they can better understand their role when they travel abroad on goodwill missions.
Not every president wants these briefings as much as others. Bill Clinton declined his security briefings because his wife, Hillary Clinton, was the Secretary of State, and he wanted to speak more freely about national and international issues. However, former leaders are generally expected to stay interested in their country’s direction, even if they have less direct control. [3]
Secret Service Forever
Former presidents get Secret Service protection for life and are expected to use it! It would be terrible if a former president was attacked, so the government wants to prevent that. Ex-presidents can decide how much protection they want, depending on perceived threats to them and their families. Every former president is granted Secret Service protection and expected to use it.
Their families also get Secret Service protection. Immediate family members get a security detail for a while after the White House term ends. Any child under 16 gets full security. Former presidents can ask for more protection for loved ones if they’re concerned. The protection offer is expected to be accepted, but Richard Nixon was the only former president to decline Secret Service protection long after his time in office in 1985. [4]
Travel, Please!
Former presidents are expected to travel often as soon as they leave office. They might not have specific duties, but they’re encouraged to travel the world as goodwill ambassadors to promote the United States and the American way of life. They even get travel allowances for this purpose!
To encourage travel, the federal government offers them a $1 million annual travel budget. Their spouses receive a $500,000 travel budget. All former presidents also get diplomatic passports for life to avoid visa hassles. The government wants former presidents on planes all the time, using those budgets to the country’s advantage. [5]
The Best Healthcare
Former presidents get the best healthcare possible. Their spouses and children are also entitled to treatment. Ex-presidents get free care at all military hospitals because the president is the commander-in-chief. They can also pay for private insurance. Government healthcare is a free benefit for former leaders, and they’re expected to use it for illnesses and medical tests!
Presidents in office for at least five years are eligible for even better long-term government health benefits. Jimmy Carter doesn’t qualify, but he’s doing okay regardless of his one-term status! [6]
Free Crash Pad
Former presidents can’t just crash at the White House when they return to D.C., but they can stay at a nearby house designed for them! The presidential townhouse near the White House was created in 1969. Richard Nixon designated it as the official lodging for former presidents visiting Washington. This way, ex-presidents don’t have to stay in hotels and deal with security headaches.
The presidential townhouse has five stories of rooms, including bedrooms, dining rooms, and accommodations for the Secret Service. A government fund covers the costs of maintaining the historic building. Ex-leaders are expected to use it, staying for free so close to the White House! [7]
Build a Library… or Else
The Presidential Libraries Act, passed in 1955, strongly encourages former presidents to donate their papers and historical materials to establish an official library in their name. It’s expected that former presidents will show their support for public service this way.
There’s no penalty if they don’t create a library, but it’s heavily implied. Presidential libraries are almost always open to the public. Many former presidents choose to be buried on the site of their presidential library, honoring their post-presidency commitment. [8]
No Driving!
The assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 changed presidential security. Since Lyndon Johnson left office, current and former presidents are no longer allowed to drive on open roads. Former presidents can drive on private roads, like George W. Bush on his ranch, but not on public roads. The risks are too great!
This rule applies to current and former vice presidents too. Joe Biden joked in 2014 about not being able to drive his Chevy Corvette. It can be tough for car-loving former presidents. You’re expected not to drive to protect your health. Having a chauffeur would be nice, but it also seems limiting. [9]
Earn a State Funeral
Former presidents are granted state funerals. They aren’t required, and some choose private ceremonies, but presidents are expected to follow certain rules. Their procession must move at 20 miles per hour as their cars line the streets. The military guards must walk in a specific way.
This pomp and circumstance is expected when laying to rest those who held the highest office. Ronald Reagan’s 2004 funeral was the first state funeral chosen by a president in over 30 years. It’ll be interesting to see if future presidents choose to have state funerals. Regardless, there will be expectations either way! [10]
These are just some of the surprising expectations for U.S. Presidents after they leave office. From financial stipends and pensions to lifetime Secret Service protection and state funerals, the life of a former president is anything but ordinary.
What do you think about these expectations? Leave your comment below!
