12 ordinary things that are forbidden to do the president of the United States

On February 15, the United States will celebrate Presidents Day. Everyone knows what presidents are doing in the service, but not everyone knows what an American leader should not do. Here are a few things that we are used to in everyday life that are forbidden to any current president of the United States.

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Speak by phone or video chat with friends

"The secret service is doing everything possible to plan, coordinate and ensure all the activities of the president, writes Reader's Digest. For example, talking to a friend on the phone or video chat is only possible over a secure line,” explains Matt Pinsker, a professor of homeland security at Virginia Commonwealth University. Yes, the leader of a country can't just pick up his cell phone and chat: he'll have to notify the Secret Service.

To go to the cinema

“As a rule, this is not an option,” Pinsker continues. “We should bring the film to the White House.” Any American, of course, is not against a show in the home theater, but from time to time it’s nice to treat yourself to watching a movie on the big screen, and even with a huge bucket of creamy popcorn on hand.

Eat in restaurants and cafes

“You can dine out, but you must first notify the Secret Service so that they can ensure security in the restaurant,” Pinsker said. There are reports that the President will not touch food outside the White House unless it is first tasted by an official “taster” to ensure the food is safe.

Drive

“The President is transported in a high-security vehicle, driven by a person who has undergone extensive training in emergency situations,” Pinsker said. However, Dr. Jim Ronan, a professor of political science at Villanova University, notes that there are some places where the president can walk and bike, such as Camp David or on personal property.

“One of the biggest limitations that former presidents have cited is the loss of the ability to drive,” notes Ronan. “As a result, Reagan and George W. Bush liked to ride on their ranches; the Secret Service allowed them to drive around protected property.”

Attend events with the participation of their children

“Another disadvantage that former presidents cite is the impact of service on their loved ones,” Ronan says. “For example, attending a children’s concert or sports game would require such extensive preparation that it would be out of the question.” Imagine having children and not being able to watch them perform and develop their talents! The heirs of some presidents studied right in the White House, again for security reasons.

Use gadgets without monitoring

As technology continues to advance, the Secret Service must be aware of all threats. “The recent restrictions were on personal technology, specifically President Obama's Blackberry and President Trump's Twitter account,” Ronan says. “They were both advised to stop or at least greatly limit their use after taking office.” It recently became known that the President cannot block people on social media because it violates the First Amendment.

By the way, even the commander in chief can not choose which smartphone to use, writes Ranker. Obama is the first president to own a smartphone. He admitted in 2013 that he was unable to use the popular iPhone due to security issues. Instead, he achieved the use of a highly modified version of the Blackberry.

Fly Commercial Airlines

If the president had a strong desire to fly an American Airlines flight, the secret service would say, "Sorry, no." Cybersecurity instructor Dr. Carla Mastracchio notes that this is one of the "normal things" that the president has absolutely no right to do. Plus, when you have an Air Force 1, why do you need to deal with the hassle of commercial airlines?

Open windows

Yes, the President of the United States cannot open his windows on a beautiful spring day. Former First Lady Michelle Obama told Stephen Colbert as she waited for her husband's term to end, "I want to do a little thing like... open a window." For security reasons, windows should not be opened in the White House or in the car. Except for one exception: “For fun, my lead agent once let me open the windows on the way to Camp David for about five minutes and said, ‘Enjoy.’”

It is precisely such manifestations of freedom that we, ordinary people, often take for granted ...

Clean up in your office

Dr. Mastracchio notes that it is not advisable for the president to clean up his office or throw away his mail. “Under the Presidential Records Act, they are tasked with adhering to things that the average person doesn't do,” she says. This includes emails. They must be carefully sorted by other White House staff.

Go anywhere without "football"

"Football" is the nickname given to the briefcase that the Secret Service carries with them wherever the president goes. Although its exact contents are unknown, it provides the President with the ability to confirm his identity and contact the National Military Command Center in the event of an emergency. The suitcase also provides a menu of options in the event of a nuclear conflict. Presidents must carry a laminated code card with them at all times to activate the "football", and a Secret Service agent must carry a 45-pound (20 kg) bag in close proximity to the president wherever he goes.

Accept expensive gifts

There are strict rules prohibiting presidents from accepting expensive gifts from world leaders and other dignitaries. The 2016 Act states that gifts worth more than 375 dollars must be transferred to the National Archives. Anything that has less value is appropriate and is considered a “souvenir or a sign of politeness.” This can lead to some curious situations: for example, George W. Bush had to buy an expensive Bulgarian shepherd dog named Balkans, which he received as a gift from the Bulgarian president to have a good house for the dog. By purchasing an animal at face value, he gave it to a friend in Maryland.

Stay alone in public

As former agent Jonathan Wackrow told NBC, "Secret Service protection is the most intrusive thing anyone can experience." The president can't even play basketball, as Obama tried to do at the beginning of his tenure - without four hours' notice. If the president is not in a safe environment on the White House grounds, he simply cannot be alone.

"Just imagine you're sitting at home tonight and four strangers appear in the kitchen and stand silently," Wackrow explained.

Technically, the president can do anything

“An important last point that is often overlooked is that while the Secret Service may advise the president and in some cases strongly oppose his initiatives, it is ultimately accountable to the leader of the United States,” Ronan noted. “So if the president wants to do something related to security issues, the final decision will be his and the Secret Service will make every effort to adapt to the circumstances.”

However, Devin Schindler, dean and professor of constitutional law at Western Michigan University, notes that “Federal law gives the secret service the power to protect the president and his immediate family. Essentially, the law prohibits the president from refusing recommendations to the secret service. In practical terms, over the years, a number of rules have been developed to protect the president from potential danger. "

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