Shortly after they take the White House, all (modern?) U.S. Presidents have their cash, credit cards, checks, etc., taken away (to be returned when they leave office, of course). Why is this done? (I know this lends itself to a lot of joke and trollish answers, so, please, don't respond, if you don't know the real reason) Thank you.
2019-11-22T08:00:18Z
It amazes me how some people referred to Sociopath Darnold Rump. As much as I loathe Rump, this was a generic question, having nothing to do with him, specifically. As such, anyone who uses Rump's name or any blatant political rhetoric is rejected as the Best Answer.
Anonymous2019-09-30T23:26:18Z
It's supposed to discourage corruption. Eg, some foreign governments try to hbribe Trump by staying in his hotels.
Presidents do not "go shopping," so they don't need cash or credit cards on them. All their assets (except some home furnishings they have brought to the "family quarters" rooms in one wing of the White House) go into a blind trust. This prevents any presidents from taking any sort of action which could favor a particular investment they may hold - they no longer know what investments they hold. Buying, say, Christmas gifts for family? It's billed & goes to managers of the blind trust & financial accounts for payment.
Except for Trump, who donates his salary quarterly to various charities, since he has extensive assets to cover any personal expenses, other presidents have their bills paid by accountants who handle the First Family's financial affairs, taken out their salaries. This bill payment system includes things such as personal travel. So taxpayers actually do not pay presidential flights "home for the holidays," or to their favorite golf course, etc. It's all billed back by WH staff & paid out of personal funds (or salary). Obviously, someone who has a lot of personal assets when entering office can readily do more travel - or whatever - without worrying about high costs coming out of salary.
Trump gets a lot of flack, but remember, he licenses USE of the Trump name on properties he developed or partnered with, and he does not actually own things like Trump Tower (he owns a condo in this condo-development).
Another consideration: Presidents are supposed to tend to official business, not spend time paying bills, reconciling checking account, etc.
In the past Presidents have either sold their investments or put them in Blind Trusts so there is no obvious quid pro quo that favors the Presidents businesses or dealing. Trump said it was not a law and he was only going to hand over "day to day" to his sons Jr and Eric. He still profits from his business and obviously has at least $20 in his pocket. Presidents don't drive themselves on public roads or need cash, they have people for that.