Who Was the First American President to Serve Without a Salary?

One commonly heard statement is that Donald Trump was the first U.S. president not to take a salary. However, this is a myth. In reality, George Washington was the first American president to serve without receiving a salary. This gesture was a significant part of his commitment to public service and his desire to set an example of patriotism and selflessness.

George Washington's Decision to Serve Without a Salary

During his presidency, George Washington declined to accept a salary, instead requesting that his expenses be covered through an expense account. This was a practical measure, as the U.S. Congress had not yet decided on a presidential salary. Washington believed that serving the country without personal gain was the right thing to do, reflecting his commitment to the principles of public service and the common good.

Fact: Congress awarded George Washington a salary of $25,000 per year in 1789, just as his term was coming to a close. Washington continued to serve with the understanding that he would be adequately compensated.

Donald Trump and His Presidential Salary

Donald Trump, on the other hand, was quite vocal about his salary as president. In a 2016 interview, Trump famously declared, "I don't take a salary. I’m my own wage earner, and I do a tremendous job for this country, but I don’t take that and it's another line of bullsh*t." This statement was misleading, as Trump indeed received a salary, a recurring annual amount that is the standard for all U.S. presidents.

President Trump's Salary Discrepancy

Initial Check: Trump claimed in an interview that he had given away his entire salary, misstating the facts. He did sign and cash an initial check but kept the money. The total salary for his term was approximately $156,000, not the full $400,000 that had been reported, which included additional benefits and expenses. Janet Yellen's Testimony: During her confirmation hearing for the U.S. Treasury Secretary position, Janet Yellen spoke about President Trump's salary dispute, calling him “Deplorable Donny” and noting that he “did get paid and lied to stupid people and said he didn’t.” This further highlighted the discrepancy between Trump's claims and reality.

Other Presidents and Their Salaries

While Donald Trump refuted the idea of receiving a salary, other presidents before him have also been paid. For example, Gerald Ford, the 38th president, had offered to serve without a salary, but Congress awarded him a salary of $200,000. It's important to note that this offer came from him, reflecting his personal financial stability and belief that he could manage without government compensation.

Washington's First Five Months Without Salary

Interestingly, George Washington served for the first five months of his presidency without a salary. Congress had not yet voted on the salary issue, so Washington solely relied on the farm income he earned from his Virginia estate. This period was a testament to Washington's dedication to public service and his willingness to make personal sacrifices.

Historical Context: During Washington's time, the U.S. was still a young and economically challenged nation. The lack of a presidential salary was a reflection of the economy's limitations and the willingness of the nation's leaders to prioritize the country's interests over their personal gains.

President Trump's claims about not taking a salary were a familiar political talking point, often used to highlight the perceived arrogance or extravagance of politicians. However, these claims misrepresent the reality of presidential compensation, which is a fixed annual amount that is legally required for service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Washington was the first American president to serve without receiving a salary, a fact that underscores his commitment to public service and selfless leadership. Donald Trump's claims about not taking a salary were misleading, as he did receive a salary, which he misstepped in his accounting and presentation.

Understanding the history of presidential compensation can provide valuable insights into the traditions and values that underpin the American presidency. It's essential to differentiate between myth and fact to ensure accurate historical and political discourse.