Like, you know, not visiting your private golf club during a natural disaster.
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.
The Obama family chose Michael S. Smith and the Trump family chose Tham Kannalikham.
...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.
...but rooms like the Lincoln Room (above) and Yellow Room are off-limits.
...to preserve history.
However, the Trump administration broke this tradition. Melania and her son Barron lived in their Fifth Avenue penthouse in NYC while Barron finished attending school.
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.
...chosen by the first family. Jackie O started this tradition in 1961.
...which is just as important and decorated *equally* as fabulous.
...but their spouses and adult children can.
...in the White House or in the car. Opening windows was Michelle Obama's post-White House dream.
Like building this swimming pool (left), or a bowling alley. President Obama had the White House tennis court redesigned to double as a basketball court. 🏀
...and it has to be done within 12 hours.
...but they are responsible for personal items like any average American.
In fact, former first lady Laura Bush recalls having to do this often.
...and cover transportation costs.
...for a day of festivities on the White House South Lawn.
...and the family is supposed to participate. The #FOMO is real.
No word on what a Trump Hannukah party looks like.
The Trump family refused to this year.
Trump broke this tradition this year.
Oh look, another 16-year-long tradition Trump broke.
This year Trump may be pardoning himself.
...to "soften" the first family's image and make them more relatable. Can you guess which family doesn't have one?
A tradition President Trump did indeed follow.
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.
Teach me everything you know. 😘
"How long is this going to take?"
Though President Trump is never too pleased to visit.
The Trump administration has declined to recognize it.
Trump declined to use Air Force One to meet President Obama at the White House—instead using his own plane.
Pretty morbid, if you ask us.
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.
...or drive a car at all, for that matter. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Remember when reporters weren't banned from press conferences?
...even after they leave office (unless they're over the age of 16 and they can choose whether or not they want to keep it).
Need we say more?
Two separate phones, like the cool kids.
Always watching. 👀
Sasha and Malia Obama didn't have any while living in the White House, and before they became first children Twitter wasn't even a thing. 😱
Because, you know, boundaries—and a little thing called top secret information.
...in order for them to be passed down to the next successor.
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.
So far only Prince Harry and Melania Trump have met, and it was extremely awkward.
...like Michelle Obama's "Let Girls Learn."
No getting out of this one, Barron.
...within an hour of its monthly release. Trump broke this rule twice.
At least that's what the Obama's told their children.
Like live their best life on vacation. (And that's an order.)