41 Rules You Didn't Know First Ladies Have to Follow
They have a lot of responsibilities in the White House.
The First Lady of the United States may not be a politician herself, but she's certainly got her work cut out for her. Throughout American history, the role of the first lady has evolved with each new administration. Modern day women in this position are responsible for high-profile events, like state dinners and the White House holiday celebrations, but they're also not allowed to do some simple things, like open windows in the White House or drive their own cars. As the First Lady-to-be, here are some of the rules Dr. Jill Biden will be expected to follow after Inauguration Day.
First ladies can only decorate some of the White House.
While they're allowed to add personal touches to the family living quarters on the second and third floors, other rooms are off-limits. Kate Andersen Brower, author of First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies, explained in an interview with ABC News that, "Some parts are essentially historic rooms and belong to the American people, not to the families who live there."
They have to get approval to change public spaces in the White House.
If the first lady and her family want to make changes to historic guest suites, like the Lincoln Bedroom, or any of the public spaces on the ground and first floor, they are required to consult the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
They can choose the interior designer they work with.
While they're not required to call upon interior designers for decor help, many in recent history have. The Trumps brought in Tham Kannalikham, while the Obamas turned to Michael S. Smith. A few decades before, Nancy Reagan worked with designer Ted Graber.
They have just 12 hours to move into the White House.
On Inauguration Day, the first family can't begin moving in until noon. But after the clock hits 12 p.m., things move fast. "Officers from the General Services Administration are moving people out and in, painting and recarpeting. It takes every bit of 12 hours to finish up," Bradley Blakeman, former President George W. Bush's deputy assistant told Elle Decor.
They are expected to choose a theme for the White House Christmas tree.
Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of ideating a theme for the White House at Christmastime in 1961. That year, she went with "Nutcracker Suite" for the tree. In recent history, Melania Trump went with "America the Beautiful" for 2020 and "The Spirit of America" in 2019.
They can't accept gifts from foreign governments.
Technically, gifts that are given to the president and the first lady from foreign governments are considered gifts to the United States, rather than to the family themselves. There are some limited exceptions (like if the gift is of little monetary value), but for the most part, these presents are handled by the National Archives and Records Administration.
But they can accept domestic gifts.
If the first lady receives a gift from anyone besides a foreign official, they're allowed to keep it. But there are a few exceptions to this rule as well: According to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Secret Service requires that food and drink gifts, combustible items, and any item applied to the skin (like cologne or lotion) be destroyed for the first family's safety. The president and first lady may also have to declare their gifts in an annual disclosure report and pay federal taxes on the appraised value of the gifts they keep.
They can't open windows in the White House.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, former First Lady Michelle Obama revealed this nugget: "In the White House you can't open a window. Sasha opened her window once — there were calls. 'Shut the window!' It never opened again."
They're expected to host state dinners.
The White House Historical Association says this is "one of the grandest and most glamorous of White House affairs" and the first lady oversees everything from seating arrangements to the entertainment to the flowers.
They're expected to host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
According to the White House's website, "The planning of the egg roll traditionally falls on first ladies, each incorporating her own tastes and interests to the event." The event itself dates back to 1878, but historians have suggested that President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln started the egg roll festivities Americans are familiar with today.
They host a Hanukkah celebration, too.
In 2001, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush hosted the first official White House Hanukkah party, a tradition that continues today. Previous presidents had paid tribute to the holiday, but the Bushes were the first to make it an official event.
After an election, they give a tour to the incoming first lady.
After a new president is elected, the outgoing first lady welcomes the first lady-to-be to the White House with a tour. But these meetings are reportedly tense in many cases. "The stress that any of us endure during a big move can be heightened by political tensions, generational divides and the glare of the spotlight," Kate Andersen Brower, author of First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies, wrote.
They have to pay for their personal expenses.
Just like everyone else, the president's family is expected to pay for items like food, clothing, and toiletries. According to The Guardian, the White House usher's office prepares a monthly itemized bill of these items and sends it to the president and first lady.
They can accept designer clothes as a gift, but there's a catch.
If a designer gifts an outfit to the president or first lady, it can only be worn once and has to be donated afterwards. For example, Melania Trump and Michelle Obama both donated their inauguration gowns to the Smithsonian. Of course, first ladies are allowed to purchase designer clothing for themselves, but they're expected to pay full price just like anyone else.
Their fashion choices are subject to intense scrutiny.
As a public figure, people pay very close attention to what the first lady wears. Melania Trump raised eyebrows when she wore a jacket emblazoned with the words "I really don't care, do u?" while Michelle Obama was criticized for wearing shorts while getting off Air Force One.
They can work with personal stylists.
Considering the attention their outfits get, many first ladies enlist designers and stylists to help them dress for high-profile events. Melania Trump has worked with consultant Hervé Pierre, while Michelle Obama used stylist Meredith Koop. Before her, Laura Bush worked with fashion designer Michael Faircloth.
They aren't allowed to drive.
Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama have both said in interviews that during their time in the White House, they missed being able to drive themselves. Even after leaving the White House, Michelle said the Secret Service doesn't allow her to drive her own car. "We still live in a bubble," she told People in 2018.
They get Secret Service protection for life.
In 2013, Barack Obama signed a law establishing lifetime Secret Service protection for all former U.S. presidents and first ladies. It also authorized security teams for the children of former presidents until they are 16 years old.
They're allowed to decline Secret Service protections.
According to federal law, the president can't decline Secret Service protection while in office, but the first lady (and adult children of the president) can.
Their Secret Service protection ends if they remarry.
Presidents and their spouses get a security detail for life, but federal law states that "protection of a spouse shall terminate in the event of remarriage."
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