Just because you’re a former president doesn’t mean you can just up and leave the White House whenever you please. In fact, there are a few rules that former presidents have to follow after leaving the big house. From staying off social media to not criticizing the current president, these rules are pretty important!

 

They Can’t Go Anywhere Alone

Although presidents are not allowed to drive places alone, they are able to have someone else drive them. This is a safety precaution that the Secret Service puts into place in order to make sure that the president is safe at all times. Former presidents are also not allowed to go anywhere alone.

This means that if they want to go for a walk, they have to have someone with them. Former secret service agent Jonathan Wackrow described it as “the most intrusive thing anyone could ever experience.” This may seem like a lot of rules, but it is in place in order to keep the president safe.

 

They Can’t Do Whatever They Want

It can be said that after leaving the White House, former presidents are essentially prisoners of the secret service. They have to follow a long list of rules in order to keep themselves and their families safe, and one of the most important is that they cannot go anywhere alone.

This means that they can’t just pick up and go on a whim – every trip needs to be planned out days, if not months, in advance. And this is just one of the many restrictions that come with being a former president. It’s clear that this isn’t a job for anyone who values their freedom!

 

So What if the Former President Doesn’t Like the Rules?

Whether or not a former president likes the rules set in place for them after leaving office is irrelevant – they have to follow them. This includes abiding by a strict set of guidelines when it comes to their safety and security.

Those who may not want to follow these rules can always sign a waiver saying that they don’t want the secret service’s guaranteed protections for former presidents. This just means that their safety is now in their own hands and they are free to either forgo any sort of security or hire their own.

 

Now What About the Perks?

Even though they have to follow a whole bunch of annoying rules after leaving the White House, former presidents still get to enjoy some pretty sweet perks! For example, they can continue living in the presidential mansion for up to two years after they leave office, and they also get a pretty sizable pension and Secret Service protection for life.

Plus, they often get to travel around the world and give speeches on behalf of various organizations. While it’s certainly not easy being a former president, it does come with a few nice benefits!

 

They Receive a Transition Stipend

The transition stipend is a way for the federal government to help former presidents make the transition from living in the White House to living in their homes again. It’s a way to help them pay for things like moving expenses, new furniture, and anything else they may need.

For some presidents, the transition stipend has been a lifesaver. For example, George W. Bush used his stipend to pay for his daughter’s college tuition. No matter what they do with it, the transition stipend is a nice way for the federal government to say goodbye to former presidents.

 

They Get Free Security

It’s no secret that the secret service has rules that are intrusive and annoying for former presidents and their families, but at least they can rest assured knowing that their kids will remain safe. Former presidents are given free security protection until the age of 16. This is a relief for many parents who have to worry about the safety of their children in the public eye.

Even after leaving office, former presidents still have to follow a lot of rules. They can’t make speeches or comments about current policy without prior approval from the white house. They are also not allowed to endorse any political candidates. These rules exist to help maintain neutrality and avoid any conflict of interest.

 

They’re Encouraged to Stay in the Presidential Townhouse

When a president leaves the White House, they immediately become a private citizen again. However, they are still subject to some rules and regulations that come with the job. One such rule is that they are encouraged to stay in the presidential townhouse across the street. This is mostly for security reasons.

For this reason, it is important for them to continue behaving in a responsible manner and setting a good example for others. In this way, they can help ensure that democracy continues to thrive in America long after they have left the White House.

 

They Can Continue Their Government Health Benefits

Even after leaving the most powerful office in the world, former presidents are still privy to some pretty sweet benefits. For starters, they can continue receiving government healthcare benefits, which is a nice perk considering the high cost of healthcare today.

Additionally, they remain eligible for treatment at military hospitals, which is a valuable resource, especially for those who live far away from Washington D.C. Finally, they continue to receive Secret Service protection for life, which can come in handy if you’re worried about your safety. Clearly, these benefits are meant to help former presidents transition smoothly into their new lives after leaving office.

 

They Get a Lifetime Pension

After leaving the White House, former presidents are set up with a pretty sweet deal. They get a lifetime pension of nearly $208,000 annually, as well as $150,000 per year for two years to help employ private staff. That’s a lot of money, and it’s definitely a good incentive to retire gracefully.

After those two years are up, their salary drops to $96,000, but that’s still nothing to sneeze at. Clearly, the government wants to make sure that former presidents have everything they need to adjust smoothly to life after the White House. We think that’s a great idea – after all, they’ve given us many years of exemplary service.

 

Their Spouses Get Pensions Too

There are a few rules that former presidents have to follow after leaving the White House. For one, their spouses get pensions too. This means that presidents don’t need to worry too much about saving up for their spouses – if they die, their widow or widower receives $20,000 per year as long as they don’t remarry before the age of 60.

This rule can be seen as a way to help ensure that former presidents’ spouses are taken care of financially even after the president’s death. It also helps to ensure that the president’s spouse isn’t left without any financial support after the president’s death.

 

They Get Free Office Space

One of the best-known perks of being a former U.S. president is the free office space that’s supplied to you by the government. This comes in handy, especially if you’re planning on starting a new career or working on a new project after your time in the office is up.

This perk is also a great way to stay connected to the government and keep up with what’s going on in Washington even after you’ve left office. And if you ever need to meet with current or former government officials, it’s a lot easier to do so when you have an official office space

 

They’re Entitled to a State Funeral

As a former president of the United States, you are automatically entitled to a state funeral. This is a special ceremony that is reserved for presidents and other national figures who have made significant contributions to society. A state funeral usually consists of religious and military elements and is attended by many world leaders. It is a very prestigious event, and it is an honor to be given one.

When you die, your family will be notified of the arrangements that have been made for your state funeral. They will likely be very proud of you and grateful for all that you have done for our country. A state funeral is a fitting way to say goodbye to a great American leader.

 

But…

When a president leaves office, they are immediately entailed to a host of new rules and regulations. One of the most important is the state funeral. This elaborate ceremony is reserved for presidents and another national figure and comes with a number of strict guidelines that must be followed.

For example, the procession must move at a certain speed, and the military guard must march in a very specific way. Even after leaving office, a president remains an important part of our nation’s history. A state funeral is a fitting way to honor their legacy and ensure that they are remembered by future generations.

 

And What About Acting Presidents?

Former presidents have a lot of rules they have to follow after leaving the White House. They can’t make any speeches or write any books without getting permission from the government. They can’t make any money off of their time in office.

That’s a lot of rules, but it’s nothing compared to the rules for the acting president. The acting president can’t even go on vacation! They have to be in Washington at all times, just in case something happens and they need to take over. They can’t make any major decisions without consulting with the cabinet.

 

They Must Establish a Presidential Library

Window-opening is just one of the small joys that presidents-in-waiting are denied for security reasons. The current president or first family resides in a fortified mansion, with snipers on the roof and escape tunnels underground. If a former president wants to take a walk outside, they have to do so within Secret Service sightlines and protection.

The current first lady has made it her mission to spruce up the place and add her own touch – including planting an organic garden on the grounds. And while presidents can’t open windows, they can hit the gym (or golf course) as much as they want; presidential exercise is a long-standing tradition.

 

They Can’t Attend Their Kids’ Events

It’s hard to be a kid and have a parent who is the president of the United States. You can’t go to your soccer games or school plays because there’s too much planning and security involved. It’s even harder when your dad is the former president and is no longer in office.

His daughter Jenna Bush Hager said, “He’s really not allowed to come to our events, which I think is really sad, but he’s been to a couple of them.” Even though they can’t attend their kids’ events, former presidents are still involved in their lives. George W. Bush visits his granddaughter at pre-school.

 

They Have to Plan Their Own Funeral

As soon as they take office, presidents begin planning their own funerals. It’s a morbid task, but it’s one that they have to do. It’s a way to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of after they’re gone and that their final wishes are carried out. Even though it’s a somber task, it’s one that presidents take seriously.

They want to make sure that their funeral is exactly how they want it to be and that their loved ones are taken care of financially. It’s a strange feeling, planning your own funeral, but it’s something that presidents have to do. It’s a way to make sure that their legacy lives on after they’re gone.

 

Everything They Do Has to be Planned Out in Advance

The rules that former presidents have to follow after leaving the White House can be pretty strict. For example, President Obama had to notify the secret service about anything he wanted to do or anywhere he wanted to go. This was probably because President Obama liked to go on runs to Starbucks while he was still in office.

And don’t even get us started on when the president wants to eat at a restaurant. It’s probably not fun for the Secret Service agents who have to block off streets and move pedestrians away whenever the president wants to have a meal. These Secret Service agents are probably used to it by now.

 

They Have to Pay for Their Own Food

Even though they have their own private chef while living in the White House, former presidents and their families are still required to purchase their own groceries. This rule was confirmed by former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2018 during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. This means that, once they leave the White House, presidents must fend for themselves when it comes to food.

This can be seen as a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective. On the one hand, it can be viewed as a way to keep former presidents humble and grounded. After all, they’re no longer living in the lap of luxury and have to fend for themselves like regular people.

 

They Must Donate Gifted Designer Clothing

When they leave the White House, former presidents have to follow a few specific rules. One of these is that they have to donate any designer clothing that was gifted to them. This can be tough for someone who may have a taste for high-end fashion, but it’s a rule that must be followed.

It’s all in the name of ethics and making sure that no one takes advantage of their position while in office. It will be interesting to see what type of clothing Barack Obama donates once he leaves the White House. He’s been known to wear some pretty pricey items, such as his $1,500 suit from Tom Ford.

 

They Still Have to Pay for Their Personal Homes

The White House is a beautiful and historic home, but it’s also quite expensive to live in. When a president and his family move in, they leave their old home behind and are required to pay for the mortgage and upkeep of that home out of their own pockets. Even after they leave the White House, they still have to pay for their personal home!

It’s an interesting rule, but it’s one that’s been in place for many years. On one hand, it could be seen as a way to make sure that they’re always responsible for their own actions. On the other hand, it could be seen as a way to limit their freedom after leaving office

 

They Can’t Use Commercial Airlines

The rules that former presidents have to follow after leaving the White House are pretty strict. They can’t use commercial airlines, and they can’t just show up at the airport without warning. This is because they would create a massive commotion if they showed up at an airport without warning.

And when you have access to Air Force One whenever you want, why would you ever want to fly with a commercial airline? Instead, they have access to Air Force One whenever they want. They can travel anywhere in the world they want, and they don’t have to worry about security or anything else. It’s a pretty sweet deal!

 

They Can’t Decline Secret Service

Former presidents often find themselves missing the privacy and freedom they once enjoyed. Even though they can’t decline secret service, many former presidents find ways to work around it. For example, George W. Bush often went for a run at 6 a.m. to avoid the Secret Service detail.

Similarly, Bill Clinton loved playing golf and often went out on the golf course very early in the morning to avoid crowds. Understandably, former presidents would want some time to themselves after leaving the White House. However, it’s also important to remember that they are still public figures and need to be careful about what they say and do.

 

When Rules Get Broken…

Some presidents have been more rule-abiding than others. For example, George Washington was known for setting a good example for the rest of the country by following the rules set for former presidents. He didn’t start any new businesses, didn’t accept any gifts or money from foreign governments, and refused to write a memoir.

Like John F Kennedy, other presidents were a little more rebellious. After he was elected, JFK started breaking some of the rules that were set for former presidents. He started accepting money from private organizations and made money from his books. He also started traveling around the world and giving speeches to different groups.

 

Smack Talkers

The no smack-talking rule is in place for a reason. Former presidents should set an example for the country and not speak poorly of their successors. Unfortunately, there have been a few rule-breakers over the years. Jimmy Carter was one of them. He called the George W. Bush administration “the worst in history” in 2007.

Theodore Roosevelt was known to talk poorly about his successors, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson. While it’s understandable that former presidents may not agree with the policies of their successors, they should try to be respectful. After all, the president is still the president, regardless of who is in office.

 

This Goes For Presidential Children Too…

This rule also applies to their children. Alice Roosevelt was banned from entering the White House for two administrations after her father, Theodore Roosevelt. The reason? She had reportedly buried a voodoo doll and performed a hex on Nellie Taft – wife of her father’s successor William Howard Taft – on the White House lawn.

Although they are not allowed to talk smack about other presidents, former presidents are still able to express their opinions on policy and current events. They can’t do it from the White House grounds. This rule is in place to ensure that all former presidents are treated with respect.

 

No Driving

Leaving the White House can be both exciting and daunting for former presidents. They are finally free from the confines of the executive office, but they also have to follow a long list of rules and regulations. One of the most important is that they can’t drive themselves anywhere.

This can be a difficult rule to follow, especially for those who are used to being in control behind the wheel. Former president Ronald Reagan was known to break this rule on occasion, driving near his ranch in Santa Barbara without a seatbelt. Despite the risks, Reagan enjoyed having some independence after leaving office.

 

At the End of the Day…

There are a lot of rules that former presidents have to follow after leaving the White House, but the most important one is probably listening to their secret service agents. Even though the agents can give strong suggestions, in the end, it’s up to the president to decide everything. No matter how dangerous or ridiculous it may be.

Of course, there are other rules that presidents have to follow after leaving office. They can’t just do whatever they want! But at the end of the day, it’s all about listening to those secret service agents. After all, they know best!

 

They Have to Follow the Law

The president is immune to prosecution while in office, but once they leave, they are not above the law. This means that they have to follow the same rules as any other citizen. Former presidents can’t violate the law, or else they will be prosecuted like any other person.

It’s important that all presidents are held to the same standard, regardless of their political beliefs. It can be difficult to adjust to no longer being in the spotlight after spending years or even decades in the public eye. But it’s important for former presidents to continue to uphold the same standards of conduct that they did while in office.

 

Keep Secrets Secret

As soon as they leave the White House, former presidents are immediately privy to a wealth of classified information. This might seem like a “no duh” moment, but given the large appetite for presidential memoirs, documentaries, and library materials, it’s important to note that former presidents can not sell or share classified information they learned as president.

This rule applies even after a former president leaves office. While some people might argue that this rule limits free speech or the ability of former presidents to share their experiences and insights, most would agree that protecting America’s secrets is essential to our national security.

 

They Can Run Again… If They Only Served Once

The 22nd amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America is a law that limits how many times a person can be elected president. It was ratified on February 27, 1951. Before this amendment was ratified, there was no official limit to how many terms a person could serve as president.

This meant that FDR could have been elected for unlimited terms. However, even after this amendment was ratified, presidents have found ways around it. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt served for 16 years (4 terms) but only served for 12 years consecutively.

 

They Can’t Buy Unapproved Electronic Devices

After leaving the White House, former presidents are subject to a number of rules and regulations. Perhaps the most famous rule is that they can’t buy unapproved electronic devices. This means they can’t just go out and buy the latest iPhone on release day.

It’s no surprise that Donald Trump has pushed against these restrictions since leaving office in 2021. It’s unclear why he would want to break the rules, but it’s possible that he simply wants to be able to stay connected with his family and friends in the same way that he was before he became president.

 

They Must Establish a Presidential Library

As a former president, you are required to establish a presidential library. These libraries aren’t simply monuments to the namesake president, however. They serve as research centers for students and scholars who wish to learn more about the presidency, American history, and more.

Each library is also home to a vast collection of documents and artifacts from the president’s time in office. These items help tell the story of not only the president themselves but also of the country during that time period. It’s a fascinating look into our nation’s history and one that every citizen can appreciate.

 

Their Library Can’t Sugarcoat Things

It’s a pretty safe assumption that every former president has mixed feelings about establishing their presidential library. On one hand, it’s an incredible honor – and on the other hand, it means that everything they ever wrote or did while in the office is now out there for the public to judge and analyze.

For some presidents, this might not be a big deal. But for others, it can be pretty tough to have all of your mistakes (or successes) out in the open for everyone to see. It’s probably safe to say that most presidents are just happy to move on from their time in office and put all of that behind them.

 

They Still Have to Read National Security Briefings

Since they are no longer in office, former presidents are no longer privy to the classified information that they once received on a daily basis. However, this doesn’t mean that they stop being interested in what’s going on in the world.

In fact, many of them continue to stay up-to-date on current events by reading the newspapers and watching the news. One of the ways that former presidents can still offer advice to the current administration is by writing op-eds or giving speeches. They can also meet with the president from time to time to offer their insights.

 

They Can’t Smack-Talk Other Presidents

One of the most important unspoken rules that former presidents must adhere to is not badmouthing their successors. This one is particularly important, as it sets a good example for democracy and shows that regardless of who is in power, there is a smooth transition of power.

Unfortunately, this rule has not always been followed, with some former presidents taking potshots at their successors. However, with the current highly partisan climate in America, it is possible that this tradition may disappear in the near future. It will be interesting to see if former presidents continue to adhere to this rule in the years to come.

 

They Must Have Their Mail Searched

The Secret Service has to be especially vigilant when it comes to mail addressed to former presidents. They have to search through every piece of mail for anything suspicious, in case it’s an attempt to harm or threaten the president. This can be a bit of a hassle for the former presidents, but it’s definitely a necessary precaution.

It’s also important to keep an eye on the president’s social media accounts after they leave office. Even though they’re no longer in office, they still need to be careful about what they say online, since they could still be a target for hackers or other cyber-attacks.

 

They Aren’t Allowed to Drive

It can be hard to let go of the power and prestige that comes with being the president of the United States. But for many presidents, life after the White House can be just as fulfilling. One of the rules that former presidents have to follow is that they aren’t allowed to drive themselves anywhere outside of their own private property.

This is because presidents get a lifetime of secret service to ensure their safety on the road and otherwise. This can be a bit of a pain for some former presidents, but it’s a small price to pay for all the benefits they receive as ex-presidents.

 

They Have Their Tech Usage Monitored

Even after leaving the White House, former presidents are still under surveillance by the government. This is a measure that is taken to protect them from any potential threats, both inside and outside of the United States.

Despite being under surveillance, former presidents are still able to enjoy some aspects of their private life. They are allowed to use their smartphones and other tech devices without having their usage monitored. This allows them to stay connected with friends and family, and stay up-to-date on current events.

 

They Must Maintain Status as Goodwill Ambassadors

Since they are no longer in office, former presidents are freed from some of the restrictions that come with the role. However, they still have to abide by a few rules. One is that they must maintain their status as goodwill ambassadors. This means they are encouraged to travel and meet with people from all over the world.

They are given a budget of one million dollars annually to do this, and they also receive diplomatic passports so that they can travel without having to obtain visas. This allows them to continue spreading goodwill long after they’ve left the White House.

 

It’s interesting to see the different rules that former presidents have to follow, some of which are quite amusing. We can only imagine the conversations Obama must be having with his Secret Service detail as he travels around the world. It’s interesting to see the variety of rules that former presidents have to follow after leaving office.