Who pays for state dinners at the White House?

State dinners at the White House are paid for by the U.S. taxpayer, with the State Department's Office of Protocol covering the significant costs as part of official diplomatic functions, while the First Family pays for their personal groceries and private events, a tradition rooted in early presidential practices.

Does the president pay for anything while in office?

Yes, while the President receives a $400,000 salary and expenses for official duties, they must pay for personal items like groceries, designer clothes, and private party expenses, as taxpayers cover only official functions, lodging, and some White House operations, not the First Family's discretionary spending. 

Who supplies food to the White House?

Presidential Food Service provides worldwide food service, security, and personal support to the President and First Family. Additionally, they provide gourmet meals and support catered functions and Social Aide Dinners for visiting Heads-of-State.

How to get invited to a White House state dinner?

With input from the president and first lady, the White House Social Office creates the guest list, sends invitations and assigns seats. Officials from both countries are at the heart of any seating arrangement, with the U.S. vice president and Supreme Court justices at or near the head table.

Does the first lady get paid?

No, the First Lady of the United States receives no official salary; it's an unpaid role, but she gets benefits like White House living, security, and support staff, with her office costs covered by taxpayers as the position evolved from social hostess to public advocate. While unpaid, the role comes with a staff and budget for its operations, though the size varies. 

The Logistics of White House State Dinners

Do president's wives get a pension?

No, the First Lady does not get a personal pension; it's an unpaid role, but former First Spouses (wives/husbands of former Presidents) can receive benefits, including a potential $20,000 annual pension if they give up other pensions, plus travel funds, office support, and lifetime security, while the President gets the main pension. The First Lady's benefits are for her supportive role, not as a federal employee salary, though some, like Jill Biden, continue their own careers. 

How does Melania Trump rank as the first lady?

Melania Trump's ratings as First Lady were generally mixed to low, ending her tenure in 2021 with one of the lowest final approval ratings recorded for a First Lady, around 42%, though she often polled slightly better than her husband, President Donald Trump, and gained support from Republicans and older demographics. While she launched initiatives like "Be Best," her public image faced criticism for perceived detachment, fashion choices (like the pith helmet), and controversy surrounding her role, with some polls ranking her last among First Ladies on various metrics. 

What disqualifies you from a White House tour?

Minors, 17 years old and younger, not accompanied by an adult guardian, will be denied entry. U.S. Citizens 17 years old and younger do not need to provide an ID or Social Security Number. Tours are self-guided and last approximately 45 minutes.

Do you get a birthday card from the president when you turn 100?

Birthday greetings are available for civilians celebrating their 100th birthday. Weddings must occur before January 19, 2017 for a greeting to be sent from the President and Mrs. Obama. An anniversary card can be sent to couples who are celebrating their 50th, 60th, or 70th wedding anniversary.

Does the White House have a guest bedroom?

The massive rosewood bed known as the "Lincoln Bed" is believed to have been purchased by Mrs. Lincoln in 1861 for use in the principal guest bedroom of the White House.

Why are there 35 bathrooms in the White House?

It's such a large building with a large staff that it needs all 35 bathrooms for everyday activities. Before running water came to the White House, servants had to walk five blocks to a spring in Franklin Park.

What are 5 things the president can't do?

A PRESIDENT CANNOT . . .

• make laws.
• declare war.
• decide how federal money will be spent.
• interpret laws.
• choose Cabinet members or Supreme Court Justices without Senate approval.

Which president fathered a child at 70?

The U.S. President who fathered a child at age 70 was the 10th President, John Tyler, who had his last child, Pearl, in 1860 at age 70, making him the president with the most children (15) and the earliest living grandchildren, due to his late-life family.
 

Does the president get a pension for life?

Yes, former U.S. Presidents receive a lifetime pension, currently around $250,000 annually (similar to a Cabinet Secretary's pay), plus lifetime Secret Service protection, office allowances, and other perks under the Former Presidents Act of 1958 (FPA). This pension begins when they leave office, and while usually a given, benefits can be forfeited if removed by impeachment, notes the National Taxpayers Union Foundation and U.S. National Archives. 

Does the president cook his own meals?

No, the President doesn't usually cook their own meals; they have a professional White House chef and staff who handle daily meals and state dinners, though the First Family pays for their personal groceries, and some Presidents have specific, simpler requests. The Executive Chef, appointed by the First Lady, manages all culinary needs for the family and official guests, from private breakfasts to grand state functions, with Navy cooks often supporting the team. 

Do US presidents get security for life?

Yes, former U.S. presidents and their spouses receive lifetime Secret Service protection, a mandate reinstated by a 2012 law after a brief period limiting it to 10 years for presidents after 1997, though they can choose to decline it. Children of former presidents are protected until age 16, and while former vice presidents get protection, it's generally for a shorter period unless extended by the President, according to this YouTube video and the BBC. 

How much do you get off the President when you turn 100?

🎈 It's an award the President gives to people who have reached 100 years of age. You get €2,540 and a congratulatory letter signed by the President on your 100th birthday. You also get a commemorative coin on your 101st and for every birthday after that.

Can you send a wedding invitation to the White House?

Presidential greetings are available for select birthday and anniversary celebrations. They are also available for births and weddings. If you would like to self-request a Presidential Greeting, please submit your request on the White House's website here. The inbox is checked daily for greeting requests.

How do I get a greeting from the President?

If you're a U.S. citizen and would like to receive a greeting from the President of the United States, please visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-greeting/.

What is not allowed in the White House?

Please note, per the superintendent's compendium, the following are not permitted inside the White House Visitor Center: Pets (except service animals) Stun guns, knives (including nail clippers), ammunition, or irritant gas devices. Aerosol and non-aerosol spray cans.

Can I wear jeans to the White House tour?

There isn't a dress code, just have clothes on. Shorts, jeans, T-shirt, sleeveless, I have gone a few times and never questioned what I would wear before going. Just dress appropriate. When ever I went on a tour everyone was dressed nice but that was for earlier presidents and a different time.

What clothes size is Melania Trump?

Melania Trump generally wears small dress sizes, often cited as a US size 0 to 2 (or petite/extra small in some contemporary sizing) when she was modeling and during her time as First Lady, though sizes vary by designer, and some gowns are custom-made and altered, like her wedding dress which was made larger from a smaller base size.
 

Why did Melania not attend the Tiffany baby shower?

The source adds that there wasn't “any reason” for Melania to attend Tiffany's shower, noting that the first lady — who began dating Donald when Tiffany was about 5 — “has her own schedule, even on weekends."

Who is considered the best dressed First Lady?

• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie O is often regarded as the most stylish First Lady of all time. ...
• Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama brought modern glamour and accessibility to the White House wardrobe. ...
• Nancy Reagan. ...
• Betty Ford. ...
• Melania Trump. ...
• Eleanor Roosevelt. ...
• Lady Bird Johnson.