Donald Trump’s earnings are in the spotlight, but how much did Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton make after leaving office? How US presidents cash-in after The White House
The US$400,000 a year salary is nothing compared with what’s next – Barack Obama got a Netflix deal, his wife Michelle has a Spotify podcast and both of them made millions in book deals: here’s how past presidents make their fortune
Becoming the president of the United States is a life-changing transition – but one commonly asked question is how presidents make money after leaving office.
A US president makes an annual salary of US$400,000 while serving. This is on top of being able to live in The White House for free, and having a separate budget for travel, entertainment and other expenses.
But US presidents often make far more once they leave office. Here's how.
Pensions
As outlined by the Former Presidents Act, US presidents are entitled to a pension once they leave office. While the creation of the act was inspired by President Harry Truman’s life after the presidency, President Dwight Eisenhower was the first recipient of the pension, according to ThoughtCo.
Congress sets the amount annually, and it’s currently at US$210,700 Former President Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter all receive this pension, which comes into effect at exactly 12pm on Inauguration Day.
Public appearances
As you might imagine, it’s not unusual for former presidents to do the rounds giving speeches and making other public appearances – and those appearances can come with a pretty hefty price tag.
According to the most recent numbers available, President Obama was charging as much as US$400,000 for a speaking engagement in 2017. Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have been known to charge up to US$200,00 and US$700,00 (after adjusting for inflation), respectively.