It’s a common question: Do Presidents Pay For Their Own Food while living in the White House? The answer might surprise you. While taxpayers foot the bill for official state dinners and events, the President and their family are responsible for covering the costs of their personal meals, groceries, and other household expenses.
The First Family isn’t exempt from everyday expenses. Everything from Thanksgiving dinner to toothpaste comes out of their own pocket. This practice, rooted in history, ensures a separation between official duties and personal life within the walls of the White House.
The First Family’s Personal Expenses
Presidents and their families cover a wide range of personal expenses. This includes:
- Personal meals: All meals consumed by the First Family and their personal guests.
- Household supplies: From groceries to toiletries, the First Family is responsible for all household necessities.
- Private parties: Birthday celebrations and other private events are paid for by the President. This covers food, beverages, staff, and cleanup.
- Clothing: The First Lady’s wardrobe, while often scrutinized, is also a personal expense.
For example, President Obama paid for all the expenses related to Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday party, including food, beverages, waiters, and cleanup crew.
A Detailed Monthly Bill
The White House usher’s office meticulously tracks all personal expenses incurred by the First Family. Each month, a detailed bill is prepared and sent to both the President and the First Lady. This bill provides a comprehensive overview of their personal spending.
First Ladies have sometimes been surprised by the costs associated with maintaining their role. Laura Bush, for example, expressed surprise at the amount she had to spend on designer clothing. The position doesn’t come with a clothing allowance or a salary, requiring First Ladies to be mindful of their expenses. Mary Todd Lincoln even considered unorthodox methods, such as selling manure from the White House grounds, to cover her substantial clothing bills. While designers may occasionally donate outfits, these gifts cannot be kept and are instead preserved in the national archives.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The tradition of presidents paying for their own food and personal expenses dates back to the early days of the White House. When President John Adams first occupied the White House in the 1800s, there was minimal staff. Presidents were expected to bring their own staff and cover all expenses. This principle established that taxpayers should only fund official government functions.
Although Congress gradually allocated funds for an official White House staff to manage operations and maintenance, presidents continued to pay for personal expenses. This separation ensures that public funds are used appropriately. It’s important to note that the First Family does not pay for rent, utilities, transportation, security, or medical care, as these are considered official expenses.
The White House Budget: Official vs. Personal
While the First Family covers their personal expenses, the White House receives a substantial budget from Congress to cover official functions and operations.
For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, Congress allocated $19,000 for official receptions and $12.7 million for operating expenses, which includes some entertainment. However, the total cost to taxpayers for running the White House is approximately $1.4 billion per year, covering staffing, travel, and security.
A Comparison with the Queen of England
In contrast, the Queen of England’s budget for Buckingham Palace, one of her many residences, was £31 million per year in 2014. This funding covered royal duties, staff salaries, and palace maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The system of presidents paying for their own food and personal expenses reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. It highlights the distinction between official government functions and the personal lives of the First Family. While the presidency undoubtedly comes with many perks, covering personal expenses is a responsibility that each president must bear.
