By Mona Austin
(The Slice): The denial of presidential privileges has come up in discussions on how to penalize Pres. Donald Trump for causing a riot at the U.S. Capitol. As he is transitioning out of the role, it has become evident that he could lose a lot more than the election if House impeachment efforts are successful in the Senate. Congress can intervene to deny the former president access to the lush life he has enjoyed at the expense of American taxpayers.
All presidents have the luxury of several life-long benefits after they leave office. Taxpayers cover various presidential perks, unless the POTUS is impeached. This may be why even though the clock is ticking down fast before the presidential term officially ends on January 20, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formally called for an article of impeachment to be filed on Monday.
The public is losing confidence in counting on impeachment to hold the president accountable for the capitol insurrection since he has been impeached before without consequences. What makes this time different? Federal Security officials say they are tamping down on keeping the nation safe. But what about keeping Trump from provoking future attacks ? Nancy Pelosi is leading the charge of House Democrats hoping to prevent Mr. Trump from seeking a second term, a penalty that would ensure he can no longer influence the conduct of his followers while he possesses the power the presidency affords. If their plan woks, here is what Pres, Trump stands to lose that all other presidents before him enjoyed under the Former Presidents Act of 1958 9the Act):
- Annual pension
- Office allowances
- Office staff
- Secret Service protection or Travel expenses
The Government Service Administration (GSA) is the organization responsible for administering the benefits. Providing cover after service acn be likened to a military veteran getting benefits. Essentially a severance package worth millions, it is a fitting and honorable gesture for a former Commander-in-Chief that that Democrats do not beleive Trump deserves.
Key Republicans are more forgiving, attempting to avoid the impeachment and escape holding Trump accountable for his arguably most aggregious act.
“I firmly believe impeachment would further destroy our ability to heal and start over,” tweeted Sen. Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The Act also kept First Ladies in mind and included a stipend for widows. That means if First Lady Melania Trump remains married to the outgoing president and he passes away, she would get a "widows allowance" of $20,000 per year starting on the day after her husband's death and ending when she dies or remarries.
Pres. Trump was accused of taking advantage of his role as U.S. leader for business purposes. He will be residing at his own Trump hotel in Florida permanently, which is where he once jokes would be a good option to host a an official summit for world leaders.
Denying these privileges would be a resounding revocation from "the president's club." For Trump, a billionaire who opted not to receive a salary for serving as president, having access to such resources may not be significant. The biggest "perks" Pres. Donald Trump will lose when he leaves office are power and the protective covering as the leader of the free world.