Presidential Facts

Released Feb. 12, 2013

The president’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress has become an annual tradition, but it wasn’t always.

Released Jan. 21, 2013

The inauguration of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 21 is the 57th such ceremony in U.S. history.

Released Jan. 18, 2013

President Obama vetoed just two bills during his first term, the fewest of any president since Millard Fillmore.

Released Jan. 17, 2013

The White House is the toniest example of U.S. public housing, valued at $289 million. It offers 55,000 square feet of living space.

Released Jan. 16, 2013

U.S. presidential pay is $400,000 a year. That’s low compared to private sector CEOs, but more than many world leaders get.

Released Jan. 14, 2013

President Obama is commander in chief of 1.5 million active duty military troops. That’s less than half the military’s peak level in 1952.

Released Nov. 9, 2012

The fiscal cliff looms, with severe, automatic budget cuts set to kick in if President Obama and Congress fail to make tough decisions.