Being the President of the United States is one of the most powerful positions in the world, but this power comes with a unique set of rules that continue even after a president leaves office. Here are the essential rules and restrictions that former presidents must follow.
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00:00Being the President of the United States is one of the most powerful positions in the
00:04world.
00:05But this power comes with a unique set of rules that continue even after a president
00:10leaves office.
00:11Here are the essential rules and restrictions that former presidents must follow.
00:16Ex-presidents are never alone.
00:18Secret service protection is a 24-7 commitment, described by former agent Jonathan Wackrow
00:23as the most intrusive thing that anyone could ever experience.
00:28This constant presence extends even into private moments and holidays.
00:33For instance, during Donald Trump's Thanksgiving dinner at Mar-a-Lago, more than 150 agents
00:38were present to ensure the safety of his family members, all of whom had secret service details.
00:44The perpetual presence of security personnel means that former presidents are always surrounded
00:50by people, often strangers, who are tasked with their protection.
00:54This can be an intrusive and challenging aspect of their post-presidential life.
00:58The agent's presence is necessary to respond quickly to any threats, ensuring the former
01:03president's safety at all times.
01:05The constant security detail impacts all aspects of a former president's life, including
01:11personal and family interactions.
01:13Agents are present during private moments, such as family gatherings, arguments, and
01:17even holidays.
01:19This level of intrusion can be difficult to adjust to, but it is essential for maintaining
01:23the security of the former president and their loved ones.
01:28Privacy is a scarce commodity for former presidents, who must have their mail screened off-site
01:32by trained security staff.
01:34This precautionary measure has successfully intercepted dangerous deliveries, such as
01:38explosives sent to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama in 2018.
01:43Both the Secret Service and the United States Postal Service monitor suspicious packages
01:47through programs like dangerous mail investigations.
01:50The meticulous screening of mail ensures that any potential threats are identified
01:55and neutralized before reaching the former president.
01:58This process involves specialized staff trained to detect explosives, dangerous chemicals,
02:03and other hazards.
02:04By examining each piece of mail, the Secret Service can prevent harmful items from reaching
02:09their intended targets.
02:11Mail screening highlights the ongoing risks faced by former presidents.
02:14Despite leaving office, they continue to receive significant attention from the public and
02:19potential adversaries.
02:21The ability to screen and intercept dangerous deliveries is a crucial aspect of their protection,
02:26ensuring their safety and the security of their households.
02:30The involvement of the United States Postal Service in monitoring suspicious packages
02:34further enhances the effectiveness of mail screening.
02:37Through programs like dangerous mail investigations, the USPS collaborates with the Secret Service
02:43to identify and address potential threats.
02:46If former presidents find the restrictions and constant security presence too burdensome,
02:51they have the option to opt out of Secret Service protection.
02:54This decision allows them to take responsibility for their own security or hire private security
02:59services that may offer more flexibility.
03:02While opting out is discouraged by the Secret Service due to the increased risks involved,
03:07it remains a viable option for former presidents who prioritize personal freedom and privacy.
03:12Richard Nixon notably chose to waive Secret Service protection in his later years, citing
03:17a desire to save government resources, as reported by the New York Times.
03:21In 2017, Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., also opted to decline Secret Service
03:27protection, citing privacy concerns as his reason.
03:30This decision highlighted the balance former presidents must strike between security and
03:35personal autonomy.
03:36While opting out offers more freedom in daily activities, it also exposes them to greater
03:41risks as they no longer benefit from the robust security measures provided by the Secret
03:46Service.
03:48Despite the option to opt out, most former presidents choose to maintain Secret Service
03:52protection due to the ongoing threats they face.
03:56One of the notable perks of being president is avoiding the daily hassles of driving.
04:01During their tenure, presidents are chauffeured by skilled drivers and can even have traffic
04:05blocked off to ensure their security.
04:07However, this privilege comes with a significant downside once they leave office.
04:12Former presidents can never drive a car on an open road again.
04:15This restriction is due to the lifetime Secret Service detail that all ex-presidents receive.
04:21Roads are inherently dangerous, and with former presidents being perpetual high-profile targets,
04:26their safety necessitates this strict rule.
04:29This rule was instituted after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, making Lyndon
04:35B. Johnson the last president to drive on public roads.
04:38The restriction on driving ensures that former presidents remain protected in one of the
04:43most vulnerable environments – the road.
04:47While this may seem like a significant loss of freedom, it is a necessary measure to ensure
04:52their ongoing safety.
04:54The idea of a former president being at risk on the road is not just about their personal
04:58safety, but also about maintaining national security and stability.
05:03In today's world, government surveillance is a given, especially for high-profile individuals
05:08like former presidents.
05:09The Secret Service employs various surveillance methods to ensure their safety, including
05:14the use of Stingray devices, which monitor cell phone locations.
05:18While these devices do not track communication content, they play a crucial role in protecting
05:23ex-presidents from potential threats.
05:25The use of surveillance devices highlights the balance between privacy and security for
05:30former presidents.
05:31The Secret Service's mandate to protect ex-presidents often requires invasive measures
05:36to prevent any potential harm.
05:38This includes monitoring their communications, movements, and interactions to identify and
05:43mitigate any risks.
05:45The necessity of these measures became evident in cases like the 2018 interception of explosive
05:50devices sent to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
05:54The ability to screen and monitor such threats underscores the importance of surveillance
05:58in protecting former presidents.
06:00Despite the invasive nature of these measures, they are essential for maintaining the safety
06:04and security of individuals who remain high-profile targets even after leaving office.
06:10While former presidents may find the constant surveillance intrusive, it is a critical aspect
06:15of their post-presidential life.
06:17The Secret Service's efforts to ensure their safety often involve advanced technologies
06:22and extensive monitoring, reflecting the ongoing threats they face.
06:26This level of protection is a testament to the high stakes involved in safeguarding individuals
06:31who have held the nation's highest office.
06:34Upon leaving office, every president gets a library named after them, a tradition established
06:39by the 1955 Presidential Libraries Act.
06:42These libraries are more than just a tribute.
06:44They serve as repositories for all non-classified documents created during a president's term.
06:49This includes everything from official correspondence to memos and even personal notes.
06:55The establishment of these libraries ensures transparency and historical accuracy.
06:59For instance, Bill Clinton's library in Little Rock, Arkansas, includes information about
07:04his impeachment scandal, while George W. Bush's library in Dallas, Texas, addresses the Iraq
07:09invasion.
07:11This transparency was mandated after Richard Nixon's attempt to exclude Watergate materials
07:15from his records, emphasizing that all materials created during a president's term are considered
07:21public property.
07:22Presidential libraries offer a comprehensive view of a president's time in office, including
07:27both achievements and controversies.
07:29They provide researchers, historians, and the public with access to valuable information
07:35about each administration.
07:36While presidents can influence how certain topics are presented, they cannot exclude
07:41any material from their library, ensuring a complete and unbiased historical record.
07:46These libraries also serve as educational centers and tourist attractions, offering
07:51exhibits, archives, and educational programs.
07:54They help preserve the legacy of each president and provide insight into their decision-making
07:58processes and the challenges they faced during their tenure.
08:02For former presidents, the creation and maintenance of these libraries become a significant post-presidential
08:08project, often involving fundraising and planning efforts to ensure their success.
08:13One of a president's most critical duties is to stay informed about potential threats
08:17to national security.
08:19Throughout their tenure, they receive constant briefings, sometimes multiple times a day,
08:24to stay updated on the ever-changing global landscape.
08:28Surprisingly, this responsibility doesn't end when they leave office.
08:32Former presidents continue to receive national security updates for life.
08:35These updates are not necessarily because they are expected to take action, but rather
08:40to ensure they can offer informed advice to the current administration or respond accurately
08:45if asked about current events by the press.
08:48This practice underscores the ongoing importance of their role in national security, even in
08:53retirement.
08:54The continuity of security briefings became a significant topic in 2018, when President
08:59Donald Trump allegedly considered revoking Barack Obama's access to these briefings.
09:04According to Newsweek, Trump was initially unaware that former presidents received these
09:08updates and had to be informed that this was standard practice.
09:12Although Trump later denied the rumors, the incident highlighted the importance of these
09:17briefings and the unique access former presidents have to day-to-day information about the country's
09:22security.
09:23This tradition ensures that former presidents remain a valuable resource for the current
09:27administration.
09:28Their experience and knowledge can provide critical insights during times of crisis or
09:33uncertainty.
09:34Additionally, staying informed allows them to maintain a responsible public presence,
09:39offering guidance and commentary that reflects an accurate understanding of ongoing issues.
09:46Main activities become significant undertakings due to the large security details.
09:50For instance, Barack Obama's Starbucks run required the Secret Service to block off much
09:56of the street.
09:57The Secret Service even needed four hours' notice before President Obama could play a
10:01pickup basketball game.
10:02These examples illustrate how even simple activities become complex logistical challenges
10:07due to the need for extensive security measures.
10:10The presence of a large security detail means that any outing or activity involves significant
10:16planning and coordination.
10:18Spontaneity becomes a rare luxury, as every move must be carefully planned to ensure the
10:23former president's safety.
10:25This includes everyday activities like dining out, shopping, or taking a walk.
10:29The need to coordinate with security personnel and plan for potential threats can make even
10:34the simplest tasks a major undertaking.
10:36The impact of these restrictions extends to those around the former president as well.
10:41Family members and friends must also adjust to the presence of security personnel and
10:46the limitations they impose.
10:47This can affect social interactions, personal relationships, and the overall quality of
10:52life for the former president and their loved ones.
10:55Despite these challenges, the restrictions are a necessary part of ensuring the former
11:00president's safety.