10 Bizarre Rules The First Family Must Follow
Number 5 is the strangest of all.
1. They Can’t Open any Windows
The first family is forbidden from opening windows. It includes the ones in the White House and cars. For eternity, be it spring or summer, all windows are closed. Former First Lady Michelle Obama once told a reporter, “I want to do little things like, you know, open a window,” as she was anticipating the end of her husband’s term. Very rarely, the secret service lets the first family open their windows for a very short time.
2. No driving
None of the first family members are allowed to drive cars, especially the president. This is one of the severe shortcomings, as most love driving. It sure sucks big time to be able to buy any fancy car that there is, but be unable to drive it. They can only drive for a short time under the ever-vigilant eyes of the secret service in secured areas of the White House. The first family is not allowed to drive even after the president’s term gets over. I am not sure how long the ban is valid. This sucks. Really.
3. The First Children and School Events
Yes, for obvious reasons, the first man and lady aren’t allowed to attend any of the school events that their kids take part in. It would have sucked back in those days when live streaming was not a thing. These days, they make sure to live stream or record every event the first kids take part in. It’s done, obviously by the White House crew. Some presidents’ children attended school right in the White House, which included a classroom and a playground, because of all of the security that would be required if they attended a traditional school.
4. The First Children and Protection
The first children are always accompanied by the secret service even after their dad’s term is over unless they are 16. When they cross this age, they may choose not to be followed by them.
5. The President’s Funeral
As bizarre and morbid as that may sound, it’s more than true. The president has to plan his funeral in the first week of his presidency. He is the most sought-after person in the world by terrorists and other extremist groups. So, he has to plan every detail of his funeral agenda and also sign it.
6. Utility Bills and Mortgage
The first family does not pay utility bills or mortgage but must pay for all personal items purchased for each other. Can they go to Walmart on their own? Nope.
7. Phone a Friend
We, the normal people, have more liberty than the most powerful man in the world. That’s one good thing about being a no-one. The man can call his friend from time to time, but only after informing the secret service. All calls go through a secure satellite connection that’s meant only for the White House.
8. The First Lady Cannot Work
Even if the first lady is capable and qualified to work, she is not allowed to work. As a matter of fact, neither the close nor distant family members of the president can take up a formal position at the White House. When he appointed his daughter, Ivanka, as his PA and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as senior advisor to the president, Trump broke that rule.
9. Food and Love
This may sound crazy. The president is not allowed to eat what his wife cooks if she knows how to cook and wants to impress her man. The secret service doesn’t give a s**t about the president’s need for love and bonding in this regard. What if his wife poisons him? Well, just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it will not happen.
10. The Secret Service Always at Your Service
The president cannot ever deny being followed and protected by the secret service. They stay with them until the moment he steps into his private quarters. Presidents have to develop humungous patience and tolerance for this. There’s a law that forbids the president from refusing secret service protection. However, if the president has a driving urge to do something that could even evoke a threat, the secret service has to let him do it. On the president’s part, he has to tell the team in advance about his plan. This would allow them to take the necessary actions to keep the first man safe and alive.
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