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They can't live in the White House -

Once a president's term is over, they must leave the White House, bidding farewell to both their renowned abode and work environment, symbolizing the culmination of their presidency.

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No more commercial flights -

After their time in office, many ex-presidents opt to travel by private jets instead of Air Force One due to the increased security they provide.

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Mail needs to be searched -

Former presidents don't get much privacy. Their mail and packages are thoroughly inspected by the Secret Service. This cautious approach paid off when the Secret Service successfully detected explosives addressed to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

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After leaving office, they are given a transition stipend -

Former presidents receive financial support for business and government matters for six months after their term ends. The money is supposed to help with their transition process. 

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They are not allowed to criticize other presidents -

Although not an official rule, it is expected that a former president refrains from criticizing another president. This unwritten tradition in the White House dictates that retired presidents should not interfere in the matters of current and former heads of state.

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Pension is granted automatically -

In accordance with a 2001 Congressional act, the President of the United States receives a yearly salary of US$400,000. Even after leaving office, they are entitled to a taxpayer-funded payment, which amounts to roughly half of their previous White House earnings.

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National security briefings still need to be read -

Former presidents continue to receive national security briefings, albeit less frequently than the incumbent POTUS. This is to ensure they can provide counsel to the present administration and respond to media inquiries regarding the situation.

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They must work -

Former presidents are guaranteed an office, staff, and stipend from the government to carry out their ex-presidential responsibilities. This includes covering expenses such as office space and staff salaries.

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They can't buy their own tech -

Due to the abundance of hackers in today's world, it is considered a security breach for a president or ex-president to independently purchase technology without proper investigations.

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They are required to create a presidential library -

According to the 1955 Presidential Libraries Act, every president must supervise the establishment of a library under their own name. Additionally, they are urged to contribute presidential papers and other historical resources as a means of public service to the country.

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They can't just do anything they want -

The Secret Service provides continuous security to presidents, even post office, limiting their ability to be impulsive. Agents require sufficient prior notice to arrange for public events and occasions, maintaining vigilant protection at all times.

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They cannot travel independently -

Former presidents are accompanied by Secret Service agents at all times, including official and private events, even after they leave office. 

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Everyday tasks can sometimes be a little more complex -

Because of the extensive Secret Service protection provided to a previous president, simple activities such as buying coffee can become complicated. Picture having to shut down a street just to drink a caramel latte!

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Driving is against the rules -

After John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, a rule was put in place to prevent former presidents from driving on public roads for the sake of their safety.

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They can't be president again if they served two terms -

After the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, the 22nd Amendment was ratified to prevent any president from serving more than two terms.

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Their funeral is planned out -

Upon their inauguration, former US presidents have the privilege of planning their state funerals. If they opt for a state funeral, the event typically features a military procession and flyover. Additionally, federal law mandates the lowering of American flags to half-mast for 30 days after the president's passing.

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State secrets cannot be shared -

Former presidents possess significant amounts of sensitive information due to the nature of their job. Consequently, they become vulnerable targets for foreign governments seeking to exploit and bribe them in exchange for state secrets. As a result, it is prohibited by law for ex-presidents to disclose any classified information obtained during their time in office.

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They're encouraged to stay at Blair House -

Former presidents visiting Washington are often invited to stay at the Blair House, a presidential townhouse. Bought by the government in the 1950s, it offers dedicated rooms in the basement for Secret Service agents' use.

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A budget must be adhered for diplomatic activities -

Former presidents frequently participate in diplomatic and humanitarian endeavors overseas on behalf of the United States. They receive reimbursement for their travel expenses, as well as any other expenses associated with their professional duties.

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They can't hide old messages -

The Presidential Records Act of 1978 ensures that all messages exchanged by the president during their time in office, including post-presidency, are preserved as public records and cannot be destroyed.

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There's only one solution if they don't like Secret Service -

If a previous president opts for privacy over safety, they have the option to decline Secret Service protection. The Secret Service only safeguards those who agree to be protected. Richard Nixon chose to do so during his later years.

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Being vice president is not possible -

While it's obvious that a former vice president can serve as president, the opposite isn't true. The 22nd amendment restricts a president from seeking more than two terms. For instance, if Joe Biden were to serve as vice president to former president Barack Obama post his own presidency, Biden would be required to assume the presidency in the event that Obama was unable to fulfill his duties. However, this would make Obama president for a third time, which is prohibited according to the amendment.

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Forget special privileges -

Presidents possess the authority to grant pardons to individuals incarcerated for federal crimes while in office. However, this prerogative expires once their time in the White House concludes.

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However, pardons exist -

Following the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation, he was expected to receive severe punishment. However, once his vice president Gerald Ford assumed office, Ford granted Nixon a full pardon. The government chose to overlook any potential charges relating to the Watergate scandal, essentially erasing them from their record.

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Staff must remain small -

Former presidents receive an annual stipend for their staff, but it must be limited unless they use their personal funds. During their term, presidents have a team of approximately 400 individuals and a budget of US$40 million to cover their expenses. However, once they depart from office, they are provided with US$96,000 for their staff.

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Not everyone receives government health coverage. -

One-term presidents, such as Donald Trump, are not automatically eligible for lifetime government health insurance. To qualify, former presidents must have worked as federal employees for at least five years. Therefore, they are responsible for paying for their own healthcare expenses.

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Military hospitals are available for use -

Former presidents can choose to go to military hospitals for medical treatment, even if they haven't gone into battle. This is because their position as commander-in-chief gives them secretarial designee status.

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They must have their calls monitored -

Presidential security remains in place even after leaving office. The monitoring of all incoming and outgoing calls and messages is crucial for their protection.

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Don't forget the former first spouses -

Former presidents' spouses receive an annual pension of US$20,000. However, they must refrain from accepting any paid positions from the state if they wish to continue receiving this allowance. 

See also: Pets of presidents fun facts and odd stories

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