Billionaire Trump "Will Not Take Salary During Term"... Donated Salary During First Term as Well

US President's Annual Salary Around $400,000

President-elect of the United States Donald Trump said he will not accept a presidential salary during this term. Trump promised to donate his entire salary during his first term and kept that promise.

President-elect Donald Trump of the United States. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News.

In an interview with NBC News released on the 8th, Trump said he would not take a presidential salary in his second term, following his first administration. He stated, "(I'm not sure, but) except for the first president, George Washington, it is surprising that no one has ever taken a salary." He also said, "(Not taking a salary) means I am doing a very good job, but no one acknowledges it."

Earlier, during his first term, Trump declared he would donate his entire salary and kept that promise. Shortly after his inauguration, in the White House daily briefing in March 2017, he said, "I hope the press corps will help decide where to donate the salary at the end of the year."

On the same day, when the NBC anchor interviewing him asked, "Did you not receive a pension?" he answered no and expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Why don't I get credit for doing good things?"

In the United States, the president's salary is determined by Congress according to the Constitution. According to local media such as Forbes, Trump can receive an annual salary of $400,000 (approximately 570 million KRW) as president. The U.S. presidential salary has been fixed at $400,000 for over 20 years since 2001. Some have pointed out that while the cost of living has risen significantly and CEO salaries in the private sector have surged, the salary of the U.S. president, one of the most difficult, demanding, and important jobs on the planet, is excessively low.

However, the U.S. president receives several allowances in addition to the base salary. They can use $50,000 (approximately 72 million KRW) annually for personal expenses, $100,000 (approximately 140 million KRW) for travel funds, and $19,000 (approximately 27 million KRW) for entertainment purposes. Additionally, in the inauguration year only, a budget of $100,000 is allocated for White House interior renovations and remodeling.

Local netizens who heard the news responded with comments such as "A great decision. Proud of him," "Refusing the presidential salary shows a genuine will to put America first," and "Shows leadership."