The White House is a fortress, a resort, and a museum that houses its occupants for only a few years before a new family takes over.
During those years, the first family lives away from the public eye, so no one really knows what it’s like living there.
Set aside all speculations and urban legends, as the first family does not have all the nice perks you might imagine.
1. You Get Judged for Turning Up the Thermostat in the Oval Office
Obama’s chief of staff told gave an idea of how warm it was saying, “You could grow orchids in there.”
2. The President Picks Up Dog Poop
Some presidential duties really stink at times.
3. Someone Will Record Your Favorite Shows For You
Lady Bird Johnson loved the show Gunsmoke, but her hectic schedule meant she couldn’t watch it when she wanted.
White House staff recorded the show for her every week, though there were no VCRs or DVRs at the time.
4. The First Family Can’t Open Windows
The White House, filled with windows, remains sealed, however, meaning a cool breeze cannot make it’s way inside. That’s one less headache for the security team.
5. Thanks to the British, Almost None of the Original Furniture Is In The White House
British forces burned the White House in 1814, but James Madison’s wife Dolley saved Washington’s portrait during the fire.
During the evacuation, she grabbed the portrait that hung above the fireplace. Dolley’s portrait now looks upon Washington’s in a symbolical exchange of respect.
6. White House Wi-Fi Isn’t Great
In a place so huge, there are dead spots everywhere as the Obama girls would discover.
However, following the interview where this was revealed, the Roosevelt Room in the White House received reception improvements allowing personnel to briefly broadcast an event live on Facebook.
7. The President Is Billed Monthly For Food and Incidentals
Nancy Reagan herself was shocked when she and her husband got billed but given how much the president gets paid, it shouldn’t be an issue.
The only time taxpayers pay for food is during White House state functions.
8. The First Kid Can Sneak Up To The Roof
Steve Ford brought a friend up to the rooftop to listen to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” And Jenna Bush Hager also found her way around the intricate layer of security to sneak a first kiss with her now-husband.
9. Presidents Can Get Nightly Massages
Reader’s Digest said that President Lyndon Johnson would fall asleep on a massage table, meaning his usher had to wait until the President woke up.
10. The First Kids Can Have Prom at the White House
The class helped pay for the prom by raising funds at bake sales and school fairs.
11. The West Wing, Roaches, And Mice
But in 2017, White House officials had to request pest control to handle the mice that were getting into the Situation Room and the Navy’s mess hall.
There were also report of roaches in the West Wing.
12. The Place Has An On-Site Beehive
They even have an official beekeeper who cares for around 35,000 “first bees.”
The beehive, built in 2009, is located near the first lady’s vegetable garden. All the family has to do is ask should they want some honey.
13. There’s a Dentist’s Office in the Basement
It would be a security nightmare to have to bring the first family outside the property for a dentist. A dentist’s office both in the basement of the White House and at the presidential retreat at Camp David is much more practical for everyone involved.
The basement even features a variety of shops where people inside can buy flowers, chocolates, and avail of carpentry services.
14. There is No Private Entrance or Exit
White House staff are constantly alerted to each member’s whereabouts on the grounds as well.
Staff and tourists have access to the Diplomatic Reception Room as well, meaning there’s not all that much privacy when it comes down to it.
15. Carpet Stains From Pets Aren’t Removed Immediately
Apparently, Obama family biographer Jodi Kantor told The Guardian that when the Obamas took residence, the Bush family’s cats’ stains remained on the carpet.
16. Moving In Takes About Six Hours
A staff of more than 90 dedicated ushers and movers are ready to help the first family move in in about six hours.
It takes a lot of planning to execute the impressive move, including walking through everything with the family.
17. You Make Your Own Bed (If Mom Says So)
Presidential kids don’t get away with letting the staff clean up after them. The Obamas’ daughters, Sasha and Malia, were made to make their beds and clean up after themselves, setting a good example for kids nationwide.
This was the first thing Michelle Obama told the staff to enforce when they arrived at the White House.
18. There’s Hipster-Friendly Coffee
The numbers don’t lie: The Chemex-brand glass brewing device was such a huge hit that they were struggling to keep them in stock at the start of 2016.
It proved to be so popular that President Obama’s administration got 150 of them etched with the Presidential Seal.
19. Wine Served At The White House Is Made In The US
Wine served in the White House is American wine, mainly from Virginia, Idaho, and California.
The first family can order food from wherever they want, but when it comes to the glass of the good stuff, it’s proudly made in the USA.
French wine was taken off the menu during the Ford administration, so wine from other countries is no longer served.
20. It’s Cool To Slide Down The Banisters
Sliding down the banisters has become a sort of rite of passage for the children with the Obamas’ daughters, the Bush twins, and Roosevelt’s kids all having a go.
21. There’s A Storage Facility of Old Stuff From Past Presidents
There is a warehouse of old furniture and several pieces of art that were collected by past presidents.
The current president can choose from among the priceless treasures should he want to redecorate.
There are Georgia O’Keeffe and Norman Rockwell paintings, as well as gifts from dignitaries around the world.
There’s also a selection of antique rugs and a four-poster bed for every taste.
22. The White House Is Filled With “Millions Of Ghosts”
She claims to have heard “opera noises” coming from the fireplace as well. Twin sister Barbara allegedly heard “1950s piano music” in one of the bedrooms one evening.
At least the ghosts are entertaining.
23. Presidents Can Redecorate The Oval Office
Every new president is allowed to redecorate the Oval Office. No better way to stay comfortable as the head of state than with personalized decor.
Not all presidents do this though.
Eisenhower and Carter left things unchanged while Reagan changed a rug during his second term.
President Obama striped walls and put quotations on the rug.
24. You Can Cook Your Own Breakfast
There is an “unmanned” kitchen that the first family can use if they want to make food for themselves.
First lady Hillary Clinton actually liked cooking scrambled eggs for her daughter Chelsea. It helped create a sense of normalcy for her daughter.
25. There’s A Putting Green Outside The Oval Office
Outside the famous office is a putting green for the Commander-in-Chief to perfect his putt and unwind.
It was President Clinton who moved it there in 1995. George W. Bush and Barack Obama have since improved their game thanks to the putting green.
It was in 1954 that President Eisenhower installed it to begin with.
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