The Most Fascinating Facts Behind the First Ladies

For all the glamour and prestige tied to the title “First Lady,” the role comes with surprising rules and limitations, and even some pretty unique traditions. Behind the elegant dresses, public appearances, and nice smiles is a reality that is much more complex than meets the eye. From super strict security protocols to strange expectations about fashion and behavior, the role of the First Lady comes with living a life that is centered around both privilege and constraint. Here are some of the most fascinating facts about what it is truly like to be the First Lady of the United States.

The Role is Unpaid

Despite all of the work that comes with the role, the First Lady does not earn a salary. She takes on an enormous schedule of public speaking, causes and advocacy, and event hosting, and does it all unpaid. While she has a staff that supports her efforts, she is responsible for enough planning and traveling, as well as representing the nation to earn a full-time job’s salary, and then some, in any other setting.