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

They have to travel for diplomatic purposes

One of the ongoing duties that former presidents never give up on is traveling. Former presidents still travel as figures of goodwill ambassadors of the nation, upholding their duties in diplomatic matters between countries.

So for that, they have an annual budget of $1 million, while their spouses have a $500,00 yearly traveling budget. Also, former presidents have assured the right to diplomatic passports, so they can avoid all the hassle of getting visas for some countries.

They have to establish a Presidential Library

This rule is actually encouraged by the Presidential Libraries Act, that’s been passed in 1955. As their actions and work are seen as public service, former presidents are able to establish a library of presidential papers, documents, and any given written material that’s considered to be important for our history. These libraries are oftentimes open to the public.

They have a permanent Secret Service detail

One of the things former presidents get is a permanent Secret Service. But they can choose to what extent they want to be protected, even if it’s extremely uncommon for a former president to refuse to have Secret Service.

& and a state funeral

If the former president doesn’t make any official decision about the funeral, it is up to the family to decide whether there’s going to be an official ceremony or a state funeral. In the case they choose so, the State Department takes care of the full protocol of the event.

Anything from security details, to seating charts, and the arrangement of the procession is figured out in detail, as this is seen as a political event.

They don’t have health benefits unless they qualify

This one’s a bit funny because they get all these benefits, but at the end of the day, they’re still a government employee. This means that they have the right to keep their government health benefits, but they have to be registered as federal employees for a minimum of five years, in order to qualify.

In case they only had one term and didn’t hold any other federal position, they won’t qualify for official health benefits.

But they do have a lifetime pension

Having a lifetime pension is mandatory for former presidents, ever since the Former Presidents Act. The rate of the pension is fixed, but it grows annually depending on inflation.

If you’re curious to know more about our former presidents and the way their actions shaped the last century, try out this book. Also, let us know what your thoughts are in the comment section!

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