George W. Bush spent $1.32 million last year, but if we have a debt problem, why aren’t Republicans cutting the ex-president’s spending?
The United States government spent $3.7 million on living ex-presidents last year, and over one third of that total went to George W. Bush.
Here is a breakdown of George W. Bush is still spending big on the taxpayer dime, even though he is no longer president:
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$1.32 million – Allowance paid to George W. Bush
$85,000 – Bush’s telephone bill
$46,000 – Bush’s postage and printing tab
$395,000 – Rent for Bush’s Dallas office
To be fair, W. isn’t the only former president racking up expenses on the taxpayers’ tab. Bill Clinton’s Harlem office also costs a pretty penny. It also takes up almost half ($442,000) of his 2012 allowance ($978,000). The difference between Clinton and Bush is that former President Clinton is still an active political figure around the world. Clinton is constantly busy with his Clinton Global Initiative. He is still hosting world leaders, and representing his country.
On the flip side, George W. Bush has gone into exile. Bush seems to be spending most of his time painting. I am not knocking him. A person is entitled to enjoy their retirement any way they please, but how is Bush running up these large tabs when he isn’t doing anything? His sitting around and being an ex-president is costing the American people millions of dollars.
Both Bush and Clinton command gigantic speaking fees. Being an ex-president is a license to print money on the speaking circuit, so it seems a little odd that while Republicans are trying to cut every program that is used by the poor and seniors, they haven’t said a peep about Bush’s big tab.
Where is the Republican outrage over George W. Bush’s spending? Republicans like Paul Ryan, who love to suggest that the country is heading for doom because of debt, are oddly silent when the discussion turns to debts that are being run up by former President Bush.
Bush and Clinton make enough money on their own. If there really is a looming debt crisis, shouldn’t Republicans be suggesting that George W. Bush has got to do his part by cutting his spending?
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
