What You Didn’t Know!! Five Things Former USA Presidents Are Banned From Doing
The life of a former U.S. president is far from ordinary, with privileges and restrictions that extend long after their tenure. For instance, they’re never allowed to drive themselves on public roads, a security measure put in place after John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 ¹. Lyndon B. Johnson was the last president to enjoy this freedom. Instead, former presidents are transported safely by Secret Service teams trained in defensive and evasive driving.
Their digital lives are also heavily regulated. To protect their privacy, former presidents must adhere to stringent security protocols for their phones, tablets, and laptops. They can’t even buy new devices online or in-store without Secret Service approval ¹. President Trump learned this the hard way, ignoring the process and suffering multiple device hacks as a result.
Restricted Online Activities
When it comes to online shopping, former presidents can’t just click “buy now” and have items delivered to their doorstep. The Secret Service closely monitors package deliveries, examining contents in a separate location before they’re handed over ¹. This measure successfully intercepted suspicious parcels sent to Clinton and Obama in 2018.
Gifts and Emoluments
Gifts received during their term don’t belong to former presidents either. They’re property of the National Archives and Records Administration or considered public property, and selling or profiting from them is prohibited ¹. The Emoluments Clause also bars former presidents from accepting certain gifts or payments from foreign governments or organizations without congressional consent.
Life After the White House
Despite these restrictions, former presidents continue to play a significant role in U.S. diplomacy and decision-making. They receive annual funding from the General Services Administration to establish and maintain their own office space, covering expenses for staff, equipment, and furnishings ². This support enables them to engage in public speaking, diplomatic travel, and ongoing public service work.
In fact, the Former Presidents Act of 1958 provides various benefits, including a generous travel allowance of up to $1 million for themselves and two staff members ². Spouses can also receive up to $500,000 per year for travel and security. With access to diplomatic passports, former presidents can travel internationally without needing visas.