The position of the President of the United States is associated with certain privileges, such as living in the White House, traveling on the presidential plane, and, of course, an annual salary of around 400 thousand dollars. It is also expected that presidents will cover out-of-pocket expenses for certain requirements, including those related to living in the White House.
One of these things is food. Although there is a separate chef for the presidential family in the White House, presidents and their families have to pay for their food. This was confirmed by former First Lady Michelle Obama when she appeared on the show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in 2018.
She said: 'It was quite shocking because nobody ever told us about this,' adding: 'Living without a salary, staff provide their services without pay, so you shouldn’t use taxpayers.'
Presidents also have to pay for the dry cleaning of their specially designed clothing, as well as for the dry cleaning of clothing in general, which implies that one of the dry cleaners in Washington is responsible for cleaning the president's dirty clothes.
The president also bears the responsibility for the payment of expenses for any private events they host in the White House, including payment for staff and cleaners, since these expenses are not covered by taxpayers.
When presidents visit other countries, they expect to receive a gift from the American president, but they have to pay for the cost of these gifts out of their personal funds.
When the president goes on vacation, they are expected to pay for the cost of staying in a hotel or rented house, as well as for food and any other expenses during the vacation.
If the president wants to hold a private event outside the White House or Camp David, they will have to cover the expenses. Unlike the events that take place in the White House, staff expenses are paid with taxpayer money.
Most of the short-term needs of the first families require specific items for everyday use, such as toilet paper, toothpaste, and trash bags. And while the White House (the White House) is a privilege of the presidency, the items contained within it have to be paid for out of the president's pocket.
Congress allocates funds for maintenance, repairs, updates, and upkeep of the White House and its grounds. However, if the first family exceeds the allocated amount, they will have to cover the difference themselves.
