A key White House post remains unfilled: First Pet

By THE DATA TEAM

DONALD TRUMP has broken the mould of the American presidency in almost every major category. He is the country’s oldest commander-in-chief, its richest and the only one in history without any governmental or military experience. He is one of just two presidents since 1888 to win an election without winning the popular vote. And last but not least, he is the first president without a pet in nearly 150 years.

The last pet-less leader in American history was Andrew Johnson, who left office in 1869 and is best-known for being one of only two presidents to be impeached (the other, Bill Clinton, had a dog and a cat). According to the Presidential Pet Museum, the White House has been home to over 300 animals, ranging from dozens of dogs, horses and birds to the occasional bear, tiger and alligator. Theodore Roosevelt had by far the most impressive menagerie: while in office, the famed outdoorsman and conservationist cared for some 50 animals, including a badger, a barn owl and a one-legged rooster. Although animals are beloved by Americans of all political stripes, their appeal in the Oval Office has not been quite so bipartisan: Democratic presidents have averaged six pets each compared with nine for Republican ones.

Facing growing criticism for running a chaotic administration and for murky links between his campaign and election-meddling by Russia, the president could do with the companionship of a pet in a notoriously lonely job. For one thing, it would never leak secrets to the press (parrots notwithstanding). Harry Truman, the president from 1945-53, is often credited with saying “if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog”.