It’s not exactly the most stress-free gig, but serving as President of the United States comes with a few benefits (aside from being the most powerful individual on Earth). And interestingly enough, many of these benefits remain active after they vacate the Oval Office.
As the world waits on bated breath to learn whether current Vice President Kamala Harris will be stepping up for the top job or former President Donald Trump will return for a non-consecutive sophomore term, we decided to revisit the key perks enjoyed by a US president.
Check them out below.
Six-Figure Salary
In 2001, the US presidential salary was raised from US$200,000 to US$400,000 (taxable), with a bonus expense allowance of US$50,000 per year (non-taxable) and another US$19,000 granted annually for “entertainment” (also non-taxable).
This increase was justified by Congress as a symbol of respect for one of “the most difficult, demanding, and important jobs on the face of the Earth.”
Former president and current candidate Donald Trump famously pledged to donate his salary and accepting nothing more than US$1 per annum, given his reported net worth of US$2.5 billion at the time (now US$8 billion) — which made him just the third US president to do so after Herbert Hoover and John F. Kennedy.
Trump did, however, receive compensation through more subtle means, e.g. hosting staff, Secret Service, and foreign diplomats at his Trump International Hotel in Washington and Trump Tower in New York City; syndication revenue from The Apprentice. And the necessities are pretty much covered (more on this later).
For comparison, a vice president now earns an annual salary of US$235,100 — a sum that’s more subject to change alongside the cost of living given it isn’t outlined in the American constitution nor defined within the tax code.
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Pension
The Former Presidents Act outlines a taxable pension equal to the pay of executive department heads (Executive Level I).
In 2016, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton pocketed annual pensions of US$205,700. In 2017, Barack Obama banked US$207.800. And most recently, NBC reported Donald Trump accepted US$230,000.
A former president’s spouse is also eligible to be paid a lifetime annual pension of US$20,000 if they relinquish any other statutory pension.
Health Insurance
Jokes aside, being Commander-in-Chief obviously means you need to be in peak form at all times. Which is why a White House doctor and medical staff are constantly accompanying the US president in case you come down with even the slightest of sniffles.
No expense is spared when treatment is required, either. According to Business Insider, Donald Trump’s stint at the presidential suite of Walter Reed Medical after being diagnosed with COVID-19 resulted in a hefty US$650,000 bill.
After five or more years in federal service, a former US president is also entitled to priority healthcare as well as access to veteran hospitals — if they so choose, that is. 75% is covered by the taxpayer.
Vacation Budget
Based on the reported numbers, the vacation budget of US presidents doesn’t seem to be capped. Though in the words of First Lady Nancy Reagan herself:
“Presidents don’t get vacations — they just get a change of scenery.”
This is yet another perk which extends beyond a president’s immediate term. Former presidents also receive a budget to cover travel and business expenses (which doesn’t seem to be capped either).
Transition & Re-Decorating Budget
The incoming US president’s administration transition — that’s from the moment they take office up to six months after — is completely taken care of financially.
As per the Centre for Presidential Transition, this covers everything office space, staff compensation, communication services, and so forth. Obama’s 2008 transition apparently totalled to US$9.3 million.
Incoming US presidents are also provided with US$100,000 to re-decorate the White House and make it feel more like… home. The Trump administration apparently forked out US$1.75 million for new furniture, wall coverings, and a desk alone.
White House Accommodation & Hired Help
The White House practically needs no introduction. It’s where every US president has been housed and served their country since 1792, offering six floors, 132 rooms, as well as the following:
- Bowling alley
- Billiards room
- Basketball court
- Tennis court
- Putting green
- General fitness centre w/ swimming pool
- 51-seat movie theatre
- Chocolate store
- White House garden
In addition to the US president and his family, the White House is home to almost 100 permanent residents staffers — maids, housekeepers, butlers, cooks, an Executive Chef, even full-time engineers, plumbers, and florists.
Every possible bit of help you’d need to keep the estate in working order.
Camp David Country Home
Camp David is where every US president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has retreated for some much-needed relaxation. It’s a nice balance between a rustic, country getaway and, well… what you’d expect from the residency of a president.
Amenities such as a gym and swimming pool, aircraft hangar, etc.
Blair House Guest Home
If Trump International Hotel or Trump Tower isn’t to your liking, as the US president’s guest, you’re welcome to stay at Blair House — a 60,000-square foot property comprised of four townhouses and 120 rooms.
Many a head of state and foreign dignitary have checked in here.
Air Force One & Marine One
You may already be aware of the custom Boeing 747-200B known as Air Force One — AKA probably the coolest of all the perks afforded to the US president — which is essentially a mobile command centre.
4,000 square feet, presidential living quarters, medical operating room, capable of feeding 100 people at a time, and capable of refuelling mid-air so it can stay above ground as long as it needs. CNN once reported the hourly cost of Air Force One to be approximately US$200,000 per hour.
Marine One, on the other hand, is the helicopter which shadows the US president’s every move in case it happens to be go-time. Manned by four pilots from the Marine HMX-1 “Nighthawks” squadron every year, it’s armed with anti-missile systems, ballistic armour, and capable of undertaking rescue missions.
In terms of scale, Marine One is definitely smaller than Air Force One, sure. But just as cool all the same in our opinion.
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“The Beasts” (Armoured Car Fleet)
On the ground, there’s an entire fleet of armoured Cadillacs designed by the Secret Service known as The Beasts.
Bullet-proof. Bomb-proof. Stocked with bags of the president’s blood type in case an emergency transfusion is necessary. Suffice it to say, The Beasts take the worst-case scenarios into consideration and are built to withstand “sustained attacks.”
You can find out more here.
Secret Service Protection Detail
As alluded to in the previous section, the Secret Service constantly protect US presidents during and after their immediate term(s). Spouses, of course, receive the same benefit. As do the president’s children up until the age of 16.
The annual budget for the entire Secret Service organisation is just over US$2 billion. Though it may not feel that way during certain assassination attempts.
State Funeral
For their service to the country, US presidents and their immediate family are provided with a state funeral with a 7-10 day, three-stage event. Full military honours and so forth.
In 2004 when Ronald Reagan passed away, his mahogany casket alone apparently cost taxpayers US$14,000.
