What Happens After the Presidency Ends?
When politicians dream about becoming presidents, they mostly focus on the years they’ll spend in the White House. But in reality, that is just the beginning.
Being President of the United States is not a simple or ”normal” job. It’s one of the country’s most important jobs, and a president takes on huge responsibilities as soon as they take office. Every little choice they make affects millions of people around the world.
The president is in charge during challenging times, such as economic crises or national disasters. The weirdest thing is probably that they are expected to stay calm, no matter the situation. If a leader loses control, it can be immediately perceived as a form of weakness.
Being a president also means giving up on privacy and even family time. It’s a role that requires a lot of compromises and countless life changes. So, even when a president leaves the White House, they can’t go back to their normal lives. The title and the influence stay forever. So, the former presidents aren’t just simple citizens of the United States. The government gives them countless benefits for the rest of their lives. All these ”gifts” and privileges are a way of saying ”thank you” for their sacrifices for the better of the country.
Do you want to know what exactly former presidents get after they leave office? Read on.
6 Perks Presidents Get to Keep After Leaving Office
1. Big pension paychecks
Did you know that a U.S. President’s salary is $400,000 per year? If the answer is no, then you might be surprised to find out that former presidents receive a $200,000 salary for the rest of their lives.
Considering that they sacrifice their lives for their country, the government found a way to thank them for their years in the office. It’s no small thing to be the leader of the country, so the privileges they deserve are totally worth it.
By far, one of the most difficult things as a president is to expose your family. Always being in the public’s eye can be extremely overwhelming. We all know how intrusive people can be, especially when they use social media as a tool to denigrate any move that doesn’t seem right. So, for a president to know that he has to pay for his position with the cost of his family can be hard to accept.
2. Office staff
Pension checks are not the only thing former presidents get. They also get to expense the money they used to pay for office staff. In the first 30 months, right after leaving the office, former presidents receive about $150,000 for staff every year; the amount drops to about $95,000 after that.
Presidents need this staff to set post post-presidency offices to manage correspondence and maintain public appearances. Most American Presidents have professional researchers and speechwriters of stadd long after their terms end.
3. Secret service protection
Former presidents receive lifetime Secret Service protection. The protection usually includes agents, vehicles, and modern communication tools to protect their security. It’s important to know that spouses and children also receive protection, because unfortunately, the President still represents a target, even if he is currently out of the office.
The people who were once in charge of America’s future are basically national symbols of power. Considering their service, the country does everything to protect their well-being and secure their family members.
The presidential family will never really go back to a normal lifestyle. So any type of protection is extremely important in order to live safely.
4. Health benefits
Former presidents don’t automatically benefit from free healthcare, but they can receive treatment at military hospitals. In case they served in the military in the past or qualify for other government benefits, they may also be eligible for coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
The former presidents are very respected, and they can easily access high-quality care in case of emergencies. They can even opt for military transport if needed, it’s considered one of the post-presidential safety measures.
5. Funeral costs
Did you know that every president needs to plan their own funeral? It sounds scary, but let’s say that this is one of the privileges they get once they are in charge of the country. Even though everyone hopes they live long after their time in the office ends, it’s an extremely serious procedure that needs to be followed.
Considering that when a former president passes away, it’s a national event, there are offered ceremonial military honors and the flags go down as a form of respect for the president’s service.
These types of important events can span multiple days and include tributes from across the political spectrum. It’s like a huge reminder of the significance of the presidency.
6. Presidential library
Each American President has the responsibility to build their own library. These libraries are not some boring museums, but more like educational hubs, where house archives and historical documents are exposed.
The libraries are usually built with private funding through foundations, but they’re later staffed and maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Let’s say that it’s a legacy that lasts long after the president is gone.
The Bottom Line
Being the President of the United States is an extremely important role. As citizens, we need to do our best to show all the former presidents our support and thank them for serving our country. Their service is recognized at a cost to their privacy, their health, their family life, and most importantly, their safety.
Most of us tend to judge former presidents because of the privileges they get, thinking that they’re already too rich and don’t need all of these efforts. But, in reality, they really served at the cost of their lives. It’s not easy. The treatment they receive is not just to ensure a smooth transition but to preserve historical records.
Also, even though we call them ”former”, these people are still expected to represent the United States long after their terms end. They’re invited to major national events, consulted on serious issues, and usually act as peacemakers around the globe. Even the post-presidency role comes with some serious needs, and the privileges shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, but as a necessity.
Last but not least, imagine not being able to go to the grocery store without a security person. Or being followed by the press for every public appearance. Even though their job ended once they left office, former presidents live under a microscope for the rest of their lives. Even when they grow older and would love to enjoy their life as retirees, things are not getting easier.
Before leaving, check out our current first lady’s book. It can be easily found on Amazon, and it will offer you a closer look at what it’s like living in the public eye. In the memoir, Melania Trump offers a lot of interesting details about her childhood in Slovenia and how stepping into the world of fashion led her to meet her husband, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
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