Despite the widespread recognition of the honor of being President of the United States, few individuals understand the limitations and rules that former presidents must follow, even after they depart from the White House. From not driving on public roads to being unable to have a private funeral. These regulations and rules offer an exciting insight into former presidents’ public roles. We look at 18 rules and limitations of former US presidents, revealing the less familiar side of their post-presidential lives.
Unspoken Rule Against Criticizing Ex-Presidents
It is a widely recognized guideline that former US Presidents don’t openly criticize their successors or predecessors. This unspoken rule is ingrained in new presidents, upholding the dignity of their own presidency. As reported by NBC News, Trump ignored the ‘ex-presidents club’ unspoken rule and has been openly critical of former presidents. Notably, Trump departed the White House without participating in Biden’s inauguration, marking the first time a president skipped their successor’s swearing-in ceremony in 152 years.
Barred from Running for a Third Term
Within the US Constitution, the 22nd Amendment prohibits any president from holding office for more than two terms. This amendment was adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four-term presidency and serves as a crucial element in preserving the balance within the US political framework.
Alone
Secret Service’s security extends beyond a president’s term in office. Due to their prominent status and influence, ex-presidents remain susceptible to potential threats. Hence, the Former Presidents Act (FPA) grants them lifetime Secret Service protection. Although a brief amendment was made in 1994, limiting protection to a decade post-presidency, President Obama reinstated the lifetime safeguard in 2013. Former US presidents always have their security detail accompanying them, even for ordinary errands like visiting a store.
No Driving on Public Roads
The rule prohibiting former US Presidents from driving on public roads was established following the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy. Its primary objective is to bolster their security, necessitating them to be chauffeured by Secret Service agents equipped with expertise in evasive driving maneuvers. Notable ex-presidents such as Bill Clinton and Lyndon B. Johnson, who derived pleasure from driving, are now constrained to operate vehicles solely on secluded estates, such as golf courses and private roads.
Speak About Country Secrets
Presidents are entrusted with some of the most sensitive information in the United States and beyond, details that are frequently kept confidential from the public. Their duty to protect these classified documents is crucial to their position. This obligation persists even after their tenure finishes. Many national secrets remain hidden long after a president’s full term.
Restricted Purchase of Electronic Devices
Ex-presidents face limitations in buying their own electronic gadgets, such as smartphones or laptops. Acquiring such technology involves clearance from the Secret Service to uphold their communications’ security and stop potential breaches. According to Statista, Apple emerged as the leading smartphone brand in 2023, capturing 50% of the market share, with Samsung trailing behind at 27%.
No Option for Complete Retirement
Following their presidency, ex-U.S. Presidents are expected to sustain a certain level of professional engagement. They receive office space, personnel, and financial support to oversee their post-presidential responsibilities.
Vacation
Former US presidents face unique challenges when it comes to vacationing. Their high-profile status and security concerns make spontaneous getaways virtually impossible. Every trip requires careful planning with the Secret Service. Securing safe accommodation adds further complexity to booking a vacation. Consequently, even the most leisurely vacations are formal and vigilant, far from typical experiences that we know.
Go for a Run
Presidents and former presidents find engaging in ordinary activities like running challenging without attracting attention from the media and other unwanted people. Each outing becomes a notable event, regardless of their intentions, made worse by the presence of the Secret Service, which often results in the closure of surrounding streets. Even in the absence of security measures, their public recognition naturally draws crowds eager to greet them or snap a photo, eliminating any chance of anonymity in their public appearances. Men’s Health provides insights into the fitness routines of former US Presidents and how they avoided the crowds.
Ineligibility to Serve as Vice President
As the rules outlined in the 22nd Amendment, a former president who has served two terms is barred from assuming the position of Vice President. This regulation safeguards against the possibility of a past president reclaiming the presidency via succession, thereby upholding the constitutional cap of two terms. In contrast, Vice Presidents are eligible to run for the presidency, with individuals such as Joe Biden being a recent example.
Cannot Receive Secret Deliveries
Following their presidency, all mail and parcels designated for former presidents undergo scrutiny by the Secret Service at remote facilities. This precautionary step guarantees that potential dangers are detected and averted at a distance from ex-presidents.
Former First Families Aren’t Excluded
The close family of a former president also receives lifelong Secret Service protection, extending beyond the president’s term. This coverage encompasses the president’s spouse and children until they reach the age of 16. Consequently, the family must follow many of the same protocols dictated by Secret Service regulations. Before he departed from office, President Trump issued a memorandum allowing the president to extend Secret Service protection to additional family individuals. This ensured six months of protection for 14 Trump family members after leaving office, after which standard regulations would apply to President Trump and former First Lady Melania.
Have a “Normal Life”
Due to the high-security measures and the high-profile nature of their elected position, presidents are destined never to regain what we would know as a “normal life.” From inauguration to their final breath, they remain prominent figures requiring stringent security protocols. Unlike some celebrities who can choose to lay low, the presidency carries a unique permanence. Former presidents are forever barred from traveling, shopping, or dining out as they did before.
Cannot Destroy Presidential Records
As stipulated by the Presidential Records Act of 1978, every communication dispatched or received throughout a president’s tenure is retained as public records. This legislation prohibits ex-presidents from destroying or hiding any documentation associated with their time in office, thus guaranteeing transparency and historical fidelity regarding their presidency.
Fly Commercially
During their presidency, they were strongly advised to use Air Force One exclusively for any necessary flights, a practice commonly adhered to due to its convenience and safety. However, access to Air Force One stops after they leave office. Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply a shift to commercial flights. Instead, many former presidents opt for private jets, likely due to familiarity with the luxury they provide and the critical security measures similar to those on Air Force One.
Not Work
The FPA additionally guarantees former presidents an office and personnel to fulfill their post-presidential obligations. They receive financial support to cover office expenses, staff salaries, and autonomy in selecting office locations and staffing. Retirement isn’t entirely possible after exiting one of the world’s most demanding roles. Being the president of the United States is more complex, and the challenges persist even after leaving office.
Stay at Home
Upon departing the presidency, although technically retired, former presidents are anticipated to assume the role of goodwill ambassadors for the United States, remaining actively involved in international relations. Consequently, former presidents, first ladies, and vice presidents are frequently dispatched worldwide as needed.
Cannot Have a Completely Private Funeral
Former US Presidents, alongside those in office, are customarily commemorated with public funeral ceremonies held in Washington DC. While they retain the option of hosting private memorial gatherings, it is generally anticipated that a public event be organized to enable the nation to unite in mourning and commemorating the life and contributions of a past leader.
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