Donald Trump has said he will not accept a salary for being president when he is in the White House.
Prior to his election victory, Mr Trump has insisted he will not “take even one dollar” of the $400,000 presidential salary.
Speaking at an event in September last
year, he told a crowd in New Hampshire: “The first thing I’m going to do
is tell you that if I’m elected president, I’m accepting no salary,
okay? That’s not a big deal for me.”
He reiterated the claims in a Twitter
Q&A later that month. When a follower asked: “Will you forgo the
presidential salary if elected?” To which he replied: “As far as the
salary is concerned- I won’t take even one dollar. I am totally giving
up my salary if I become president.”
During his campaign, the Republican
politician made much of his claims that as a millionaire business mogul
he is not bound to the bidding of financial backers. Mr Trump is worth
an estimated net $3.7 billion, according to Forbes.
Previous wealthy presidents have donated
their salaries to charity after deeming it is not financially
neccessary for them to take it as personal income. Herbert Hoover and
John F Kennedy both reportedly donated the money to charity.
The US Code,
which outlines duties and entitlements for the President, states: “The
President shall receive in full his services during the term for which
he shall have been elected compensation in the aggregate amount of
$400,000 a year, to be paid monthly, and in addition an expense
allowance of $50,000 to assist in defraying expenses relating to or
resulting from the discharge of his official duties.”
