Did You Know the American President Has to Pay for Groceries at White House? Michelle Obama Talks About Paying Bills in Her Book 'Becoming'

Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama's first book Becoming hit the shelves earlier this week. In the book, she talks about several topics, including how she felt about leaving the White House. It is a mix of personal life, political experiences and about being in the limelight constantly for eight years. She has also spoken about how she sought marriage counselling after suffering a miscarriage. They later opted for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments to conceive.

The book which has once again put Michelle Obama in the limelight has given rise to speculations that she might run for the President, however, she has ruled out the theories. Meanwhile, one of the revelations made by the former first lady has confused people. In a conversation with Oprah Winfrey about the book, she said that President has to pay for the bills incurred while inside the White House. Michelle Obama Slams Trump in New Book.

Obama said, "A lot of people think ... taxpayers are paying for that. Yes: You don't pay rent ... but you get a bill." When the audience reacted to the statement with pity, she said, "It's not an 'Aww, we lived in the White House, you pay for your food, you pay for your guests ... we got the bill." Against popular beliefs, President and their families do not live on the States' money during their term. They have to pay for their groceries, food and official state functions. Here's Michelle Obama's Secret to Happy Marriage.

According to a report in The Guardian, presidents pay for everything from toothpaste, perfume to dry cleaning. While chefs are paid by the government, presidents have to pay for food and beverages. Also, the use of waiters and cleaning services availed for private parties are charged. Reportedly, taxpayers money is only supposed to be used for official government functions. The President does not have to pay rent or utilities availed. Transportation, security and medical care are also free.

Similarly, former first lady Hillary Clinton had claimed that her family was "dead broke" and in debt when her husband, Bill Clinton, left the White House. In an interview launching her new memoir, Hard Choices, Hillary was quoted as saying, "We had no money when we got there, and we struggled to, you know, piece together the resources for mortgages, for houses, for Chelsea's education. You know, it was not easy." Michelle Obama Graces The Cover Of Elle Magazine With A Leather Corset And A Powerful Interview!

Another former first lady, Barbara Bush in her memoir writes, "I was amazed by the sheer number of designer clothes that I was expected to buy, like the women before me, to meet the fashion expectations for a first lady. After our first year in the White House, our accountant said to George (W Bush), 'It costs a lot to be president,' and he was referring mainly to my clothes."

By mid-month, the White House usher's office sends a copy of a detailed bill to the President and the first lady. The bill includes details of money incurred for all the food and beverages consumed by the first family and personal guests. The American President is paid $400,000 as an annual salary along with a $50,000 allowance for official duties. Seems availing services of the White House is not what it looked like.

Becoming was one of the most awaited books about US politics in years and Michelle does not mince words about her political beliefs. Talking about allegations made by US President Donald Trump, in excerpts of the book published by ABC News and The Washington Post, she writes, "What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family's safety at risk. And for this, I'd never forgiven him." When asked about the book, Trump told reporters, "Michelle Obama got paid a lot of money to write a book and they always insist you come up with controversy. I'll give you some back."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 16, 2018 04:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).