Presidential possibilities
Can the US President drive? Play a true or false game with us!
The president of the United States might hold the most powerful job in the world, but that doesn’t mean they can do whatever they please . From driving cars to opening windows, some of their daily limits are downright surprising. Let’s play a quick "True or False" game and see which presidential privileges are real and which ones belong in the rumor bin.
Image: Donghun Shin
1
Fact: Presidents can drive
It sounds fun to imagine the president taking the wheel for a spin around town, right? Maybe a quiet drive to clear their head or grab a meal in secret behind the tinted glass. But can they really do that?
Image: Jessica Furtney
2
Answer: False
Presidents haven’t been allowed to drive on public roads since Lyndon B. Johnson, but they can still enjoy a little time behind the wheel inside fenced areas like Camp David or their own ranch. George W. Bush often drove around his property in Texas, with the Secret Service keeping a close watch, of course!
Image: Rolando Garrido
3
Fact: Presidents can’t attend their kids’ plays or games
Yes, we know presidential tasks are of utmost importance, but we can all agree family moments matter just as much, even in the White House. So, do you think the president can really attend a school play or a kid’s soccer game?
Image: Philip White
4
Answer: True
It’s true, they can’t unless it’s under very controlled conditions . Public outings cause too much security chaos, so these events usually happen privately. Some presidential kids even had classrooms right inside the White House so their parents could drop in for a visit without turning it into a national operation.
Image: Ludo Poiré
5
Fact: Presidents can open the windows whenever they want
Opening a window is one of the most innocent acts one can carry out, and surely, after long meetings and speeches, a little fresh air would be nice. Can the president roll down a window in the White House or a car?
Image: Da-shika
6
Answer: False
That simple act is off-limits for security reasons , of course. Michelle Obama once said her security team gave her a five-minute "window treat" on a drive to Camp David, and it felt like freedom. The rest of the time, those windows stay shut tight.
Image: Gabriele Proietti Mattia
7
Fact: Presidents can’t use commercial airlines
You know Air Force One is specifically designed for the President, and you also know that every president travels constantly , but can they ever hop on a regular American Airlines flight like the rest of us?
Image: Shutr
8
Answer: True
They absolutely can’t fly commercial, but they do take plenty of flights on Air Force One and Marine One. These aircraft are packed with communication systems , security measures, and comfort most travelers can only dream about. It’s safe to say they don’t miss boarding lines.
Image: avid Lusvardi
9
Fact: Presidents can use regular gadgets from the store
Whoever the president is, when they get to the White House, they already have a phone. So, they must be able to use regular phones . Or, for example, a brand-new iPhone or tablet seems harmless enough. Surely the president can pick one up and start scrolling. Do you think this is true or false?
Image: Azwedo L.LC
10
Answer: False
Standard devices aren’t secure enough. Presidents use specially modified versions that can’t be hacked. Barack Obama had a limited-access BlackBerry, and Joe Biden’s smartwatch and the Peloton were both customized for safety. Even the leader of the free world has tech limits.
Image: Eirik Solheim
11
Fact: Presidents can block people on social media
Alright, so a new president is in office, and they get a brand new secure phone. But with millions of online followers, it must be tempting to block a few loud voices . Surely the president has that right.
Image: Swello
12
Answer: False
Nope. A federal court decided that official social media accounts are public forums , which means blocking users violates the First Amendment. Presidents have to let everyone speak their mind, even if the comments section gets a little rowdy.
Image: Daniel Romero
