The Cost of Operating the White House

Discover the detailed costs associated with maintaining the White House, from staff compensation to renovations.

Running the White House, home to the President of the United States, involves considerable expense, with operational costs running into the millions annually. This historic residence features 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and a kitchen designed to serve up to 140 guests, all of which necessitate a dedicated staff and substantial financial resources.

According to data compiled from the Office of Management and Budget, one of the major costs stems from staff salaries and related expenses. In the fiscal year 2025, the Executive Residence reported obligations approaching $9 million for personnel compensation. This amount included approximately $8 million for permanent full-time employees and around $1 million dedicated to other employee costs, alongside an estimated $3 million in employee benefits.

The same financial obligations are projected for the fiscal year 2026, with a proposal of about $11 million for compensation and $4 million for benefits in fiscal 2027. Additionally, approximately $1 million each for communications, utilities, supplies, and materials were recorded for fiscal 2025, with similar amounts anticipated for the following years.

Administration of the White House Office, comprising staff supporting the president, had 411 personnel reported as of July 1, 2026. This group includes both full-time employees and part-time detailees, reflecting the extensive support system necessary for effective presidential operations.

Congress allocated $78.9 million for White House staff and operations in fiscal 2026, maintaining the same budget level as the preceding year. Among the highest-paid staff members are Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Director of Speechwriting Ross Worthington, each receiving a salary of $195,200. These numbers, while significant, fall short compared to similar positions in the private sector.

The President’s salary is set at $400,000, with an additional $50,000 allowance for official expenses. Notably, former President Trump pledged to forgo his salary during his second term, saying, “In the history of our country, there’s never been a president that waived his salary. I’m the only schmuck. I get no credit for it.” Historically, some presidents, such as John F. Kennedy and Herbert Hoover, donated their salary to charity.

Focusing on additional costs, the White House Office recorded approximately $15 million in civilian employee benefits in fiscal 2025, escalating to an estimated $16 million in fiscal 2026. Travel and transportation also have a sharp financial impact, with commitments of $3 million in fiscal 2025 and an estimated $4 million for fiscal 2026.

The need for consistent maintenance and restoration of the White House, a historic building, has led Congress to appropriate about $2.5 million for routine repairs in fiscal 2026. Notably, renovation costs have surged, with projections of $377 million in reimbursable obligations for fiscal 2026, though specifics about these projects remain unclear.

As an enhancement to the residence, President Trump announced plans for a new ballroom projected to cost between $200 million and $400 million. Funding for this project is expected to come from private donors and Trump’s own finances. In a broader context, security for the White House falls under the Secret Service budget, with Congress dedicating approximately $3.25 billion for protective services in fiscal 2026, which also encompasses protections for the Vice President and former presidents.

While detailed public reporting of funding and personnel for security remains sparse, the necessity of budgeting adequate resources for the White House is evident in these extensive figures, signifying the role of tax dollars in maintaining the presidential home and its operations.