Benefits of being president
Being the president of the United States is a tough job. Though it comes with a few perks – living in the White House, travelling in Air Force One, and the $400,000 annual salary – not everything is included as part of the job.
Here are 10 everyday things presidents aren’t allowed to do while in office.
Groceries
Though the White House comes with its own chef – which comes with the residence – presidents and their families must pay for their own food. First Lady Michelle Obama confirmed this in a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Designer clothing
If the president or first lady wants to wear designer clothing, it’s something they need to pay for themselves, Katie Vigilante, senior lecturer in political science at Oxford College of Emory University, tells Reader’s Digest. There is a loophole, though: designers can gift presidents and first ladies outfits, but they have to be donated after one wear and that includes many of these inaugural gowns worn by first ladies.