George W. Bush is the most expensive ex-president

The federal government spent almost $3.7 million on former presidents in 2012

Published March 26, 2013 3:06PM (EDT)

George W. Bush costs the federal government the most money out of all of the ex-presidents, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

The CRS reports that the government spent almost $3.7 million on ex-presidents in 2012, which includes pensions, staff and office costs and travel.

From Politico:

The costliest former president? George W. Bush, who clocked in at just over $1.3 million. That includes almost $400,000 for 8,000 square feet of office space and $85,000 in telephone costs.

President Bill Clinton came in second at just under $1 million, followed by George H.W. Bush at nearly $850,000. Costs for Jimmy Carter, the only other living former president, came in at about $500,000.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Bill Clinton George H.w. Bush George W. Bush Jimmy Carter Presidents