How much US presidents have been paid since George Washington
This article tracks the historical evolution of the United States presidential salary from 1789 to the present day. It highlights how the $25,000 initial salary has been adjusted over time and notes that some presidents, including Donald Trump, have chosen to donate their compensation.
Why it matters
Understanding presidential compensation provides historical context on the economic value of the office and the evolving nature of public service perks.
Trump is one of three presidents who donated their presidential salaries. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Can you put a price tag on being the president of the United States of America? The founding fathers had to in 1789 — how does $25,000 a year sound? Now, the president makes $400,000, though Trump has donated his. How much do you get paid to be the leader of the free world? Since 2001, the president of the United States has been paid $400,000 a year. Compare that to 1789, when the US elected its first president, and the presidential salary was $25,000 a year. While that may sound like a fraction of today's paycheck, the salary's value has actually decreased by about half when adjusted for inflation.
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