President's Salaries During and After Office
While in office, the U.S. president receives a salary of $400,000 a year and a $50,000 expense account.1 Congress sets the amount and raised it to the current level in 2001. This pays for the president's personal expenses, such as food and dry cleaning. Title 3 of the U.S. Code also grants a $100,000 non-taxable travel account and $19,000 for entertainment.23 Other perks include free transportation in the presidential limousine, Marine One, and Air Force One. The president receives free furnished housing in the White House. The First Family also receives $100,000 to redecorate the White House to feel more at home.4 White House upkeep requires permanent residents including maids, cooks, valets, and groundskeepers. The president receives free health care from the official physician who directs the White House Medical Unit. Presidents and their spouses cannot receive free clothing. If they wear any piece as a gift, they must place it in the National Archives after being wo...