10 Fascinating Rules Every President Has To Follow After Leaving the White House

10 Rules & Obligations That Stay on the Former President’s Agenda:

The No-Drive Rule

One of the most frustrating rules a former president has to follow is to stay away from public roads. This rule first appeared when George H. Bush told Jay Leno in an interview that he hadn’t driven on a public road in over 25 years.

Lyndon Johnson was the last president who drove on a public road. As you probably guessed, the assassination of John F. Kennedy was the turning point that made authorities decide on this security measure. Even so, former presidents can enjoy driving in secluded and private areas. For example, Reagan is famous for driving in his favorite Jeep on a private area at his ranch.

Staying at the Presidential Townhouse

When they visit Washington DC, former presidents are highly recommended to stay at the Presidential Townhouse, because the house has already its own strong security protocols. Plus, its location is only a minute’s walk from the White House.

It was Richard Nixon who had the idea of building this Townhouse, to provide a stay for former presidents. The one who used it most often is George H.W. Bush, even if his wife Barbara never liked the house because of its spartan interior design.

They receive funding for the transition period

Once they leave the office, they have to stay for a 6-month transition period. At this time, they are obliged to establish a new office and staff, and as these are seen as business affairs and government matters, the former presidents get funding to cover the needed costs. And unlike other financial situations, this one covers even the former presidents who resigned from the office.

They have to stay up to date with national security briefings

Even if they’re no longer presidents, it is almost like a tradition to consider former presidents as wise and useful when it comes to political advice. Given all this, former presidents might receive from time to time national security briefings, in order to stay up to date with the current security matters.

If advice is needed, the Office of the President will ask for it from former presidents, or they can come to the sitting president and offer their opinion.