Salary and Benefits for the President

The President of the United States is the highest-paid federal employee, with a salary of \$400,000 per year. In addition to their salary, the President is also entitled to a number of benefits, including:

• A \$50,000 annual expense account
• A \$100,000 annual travel allowance
• A \$19,000 annual entertainment allowance
• Free housing at the White House
• Free transportation on Air Force One
• A lifetime pension of \$200,000 per year

Salary History

The President's salary has been set by law since 1909. The salary was originally set at \$25,000 per year, and it has been increased several times since then. The most recent increase was in 2001, when the salary was raised from \$200,000 to \$400,000.

Benefits History

The President's benefits package has also been expanded over time. In 1949, the President was given a \$50,000 annual expense account. In 1958, the President was given a \$100,000 annual travel allowance. And in 1969, the President was given a \$19,000 annual entertainment allowance.

Criticisms of the Salary and Benefits Package

Some people have criticized the President's salary and benefits package as being too generous. They argue that the President is already well-compensated for their work, and that the additional benefits are unnecessary.

Others have defended the President's salary and benefits package, arguing that it is necessary to attract and retain qualified candidates for the job. They also argue that the benefits are necessary to ensure that the President can carry out their duties effectively.

Conclusion

The President's salary and benefits package is a complex issue with a long history. There are strong arguments both for and against the current package. Ultimately, it is up to the American people to decide whether or not they believe that the President is being fairly compensated.

Table 1: President's Salary and Benefits

Table 2: History of President's Salary

Table 3: History of President's Benefits

Table 4: Arguments for and Against President's Salary and Benefits Package