Perks of being the US president

NEW DELHI: Being president of the United States is not only prestigious, but also comes with a host of benefits and perks. Not only does a president earn a

salary

of $400,000 while in office, he also has access to a house, personal plane and chopper. Here’s a look at some of the

perks

of a US president

White House
The official residence of a US president has gone through many transformations ever since it was built in 1800. The six storey, 55,000 square foot building includes 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms and 28 fireplaces. It also houses a tennis court, a bowling alley, a family movie theatre, a jogging track, and a swimming pool. The mansion employs 5 full-time chefs, a social secretary, a chief calligrapher, florists, valets and butlers.

Blair House
The official state guest house for the president of the US is larger than the White House-more than 70,000 square feet. It has as many as 119 rooms, including over 20 bedrooms for guests and staff, 35 bathrooms, four dining rooms, a gym, a flower shop and a hair salon.

Camp David
Established in 1935, this presidential mountain retreat is a 128-acre estate, tucked in the mountains of Maryland. It makes for a quick getaway. Every president since Franklin Roosevelt has used this amenity.

Air Force One
Built and designed to transport the US president, the aircraft has onboard electronics that are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulse. Also equipped with advanced secure communications equipment that allows it to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack. The plane can also be fueled midair.
Marine One
The official chopper of the president flies with as many as 5 identical choppers. It can operate rescue missions and cruise at more than 150 miles per hour even if the engine fails. It is equipped with anti-missile systems and ballistic armour.

The BeastThe presidential state car ‘limousine’ is considered as the safest car around the world. Not only its doors are armoured-plated, they also form a 100% seal when closed in order to protect the occupants in the event of a chemical attack. The windows have five layers of glass and polycarbonate. The car also has an oxygen supply, fire-fighting system and a blood bank.

Secret service
The US president and his family are entitled to round the clock security. They are protected by the Secret Service, one of the country’s oldest federal investigative agencies.

A six-figure salary
The US president earns a $4,00,000 taxable salary while in office. Besides this, he is also entitled to an entertainment allowance of $19,000, yearly expense allowance of $50,000 and a non-taxable travel allowance of $100,000.

Retirement

benefits
While ex-presidents are not eligible for accommodation and transport like those in office, they are entitled to a hefty pension. The annual pension of a retired president is $200,000. Besides this, the widow of a former president is also entitled to an yearly allowance of $100,000.

Source: News reports, AFP