Why the first lady is not paid?

Answer 1

Given how much work the First Lady does, advocating for causes, going out on speaking engagements, representing the United States at certain functions, one might think she does deserve a salary, but historically, the wife of the president was seen as someone who was there to help him and not as an employee. She was not voted for, in other words; she was simply the person to whom the president was married.

Americans have a very conflicted role about first ladies-- a century ago, the first lady was expected to remain in the background, but as women's roles changed, the idea of a more public role became increasingly acceptable. However, whether it was Eleanor Roosevelt or Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, the first lady was always expected to have a subordinate and volunteer role (even if she had a professional career) and not take attention away from the president. If a first lady seemed too much of a decision-maker, this caused her to be criticized. The country still does not seem ready for a first lady who maintains her independence or continues to work. But it also is interesting to note that some first ladies have become more popular than their husband.