In the wise words of former First Lady Michelle Obama, "You really don't know what you don't know until you're here." As we approach the one year anniversary of the 2016 presidential election, we couldn’t help but take a look back at the rules and traditions that have made the White House, well, the White House—and how they've evolved over the years. Ahead, 50 strict rules and traditions the first family is *supposed* to follow.
Family isn’t typically supposed to take on any formal roles in the administration...
...but President Trump has broken this tradition with the appointment of his daughter Ivanka Trump as assistant to the president and his son-in-law Jared Kushner as senior advisor to the president.
The first family is able to decorate the White House according to their style...
...but rooms like the Lincoln Room (above) and Yellow Room are off-limits.
They're not supposed to spend money on extravagant renovations.
The money Congress allots to spending on decor varies each year, but it’s often scrutinized by the American people. President Trump has spent nearly $2 million so far in renovations.
The money Congress allots to spending on decor varies each year, but it’s often scrutinized by the American people. President Trump has spent nearly $2 million so far in renovations.
...such as the grand piano and signature art works. There’s a White House curator in charge of this to make sure each first family cares for it.
They can’t open any windows...
...in the White House or in the car. Opening windows was Michelle Obama's post-White House dream.
The first family is supposed to pick up the tab for every meal they eat at the White House or Camp David.
In fact, former first lady Laura Bush recalls having to do this often.
They're also supposed to host a dinner marking the end of Ramadan.
Trump broke this tradition this year.
The White House always celebrates Cinco de Mayo.
Oh look, another 16-year-long tradition Trump broke.
Presidential pets are pretty much *always* a thing...
...to "soften" the first family's image and make them more relatable. Can you guess which family doesn't have one?
The first family always stays at Blair House, the Presidential guest house, before the inauguration.
A tradition President Trump did indeed follow.
Multiple bills and laws are normally signed into office within the first 100 days.
President Trump signed 28 bills into law, whereas President Roosevelt signed 76 bills and President Harry Truman signed 55. President Obama had a low amount due to major legislation surrounding low-income households and wage discrimination.
They're supposed to recognize LGBT Pride Month.
The Trump administration has declined to recognize it.
They're supposed to ride Air Force One.
Trump declined to use Air Force One to meet President Obama at the White House—instead using his own plane.
The president has to plan their funeral within the first week of their presidency.
Pretty morbid, if you ask us.
The first children typically attend private school.
Only one U.S. president has sent his children to a D.C. public school in the last century, and that exception was President Jimmy Carter with his youngest daughter Amy Carter.
They're supposed to maintain full transparency with the press.
Remember when reporters weren't banned from press conferences?
While there’s a national disaster going on, the president isn't supposed to go to his private golf club.
Need we say more?
They always meet with the Queen...
The Queen has met with every U.S. President since her reign. However, she has yet to meet with President Trump, who has a petition filed against him from meeting her.
...As well as the rest of the Royal Family.
So far only Prince Harry and Melania Trump have met, and it was extremely awkward.
It's tradition for the first lady to tackle important initiatives...
...like Michelle Obama's "Let Girls Learn."
The president isn't supposed to comment on the jobs report...
...within an hour of its monthly release. Trump broke this rule twice.
