How to Call, Write, or Email the White House

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A comprehensive list of contact methods for POTUS
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Whether you have a serious political question or you just want to drop a line to say hello, there are several tried and true ways to contact the President of the United States. We’ll cover all of your options, and also drop some knowledge when it comes to actually getting someone to respond. As a note, be aware that you might never receive a response, and if you do, it will likely be from a staff member rather than the President himself. Still, that shouldn’t stop you. Besides, you never know what will catch a world leader’s eye!

Getting in Touch with the White House

  • Mail a handwritten or typed letter to The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500.
  • Dial 1-202-456-1111 to leave a message for the President.
  • Use the White House Contact Page to send a message to the President with their online form.

Sample Letters to the President

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Mail

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  1. If you write your letter by hand, be neat . You can also type and print your letter—it’s totally up to you. Write an honest and respectful letter, stating your thoughts clearly and reasonably. [1] The full address is:
    • The White House
      1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
      Washington, DC 20500
  2. Use 8.5 by 11 in (22 by 28 cm) paper. If you’re going to handwrite the letter, use black ink and skip the fancy gel pens. Format your letter the same way you’d format a business letter . [2]
    • Put your name and address, including your email address, at the top right corner of the letter, with the date written out below that.
    • Use a formal salutation , such as, “Dear Mr. President,”
    • Close with a formal salutation, such as, “Most Respectfully,”
    • Print and sign your name.
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  3. If you want the President to reply to you, give them the return envelope they’ll need. Put your return address to the top left corner and put a stamp on the top right corner. On the return envelope, flip that and put your address in the middle. [3]
    • Take your letter to the nearest mailbox and ship it off!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Phone

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  1. The public comment line is designed for citizens who want to share an opinion or idea with the President. It’s run by volunteers who will record whatever you share and then send it to the relevant party (in your case, the President!). [4]
    • If you are an expert in some field and seriously want to talk to the President, reach out to the relevant Cabinet first. For example, an expert in teaching methods would need to contact the head of the Department of Education.
  2. In theory, you’re only supposed to use this number if you have an extension or you’re on official business. But who’s to say you can’t give this number a shot if you want to speak to someone important? [5]
    • While a White House employee will pick up the phone if you can get through the robo menus, you aren’t going to have any luck getting Joe Biden on the phone.
  3. If you’re hard of hearing or you need transcript services, this is the number for you. It’s likely run by the folks in the switchboard room, but they’ll probably help you leave a comment. [6]
    • There’s also the White House visitor's office number, which is 202-456-2121, but that’s unlikely who you want to contact unless you have questions about a tour.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Website

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  1. Visit the official White House Contact Page . This is probably the most efficient way to get a message across since the White House actively requests you use the online contact page. It’s also just faster, too. Open the contact page and enter the following information: [7]
    • First name
    • Last name
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • Home address
  2. The White House website gives you about 300 words to say your piece. You can share your personal story, bring up concerns you may have, or even tell Mr. Biden your favorite knock knock joke. Remember to use the appropriate salutations, such as "Dear Mr. President," and "Most Respectfully, Jane Jennings." [8]
    • Make sure that under “Message Type” it says, “Contact the President.” You can also use this page to reach out to the Vice President, or ask a general question.
  3. Check out that Presidential Greeting form if you want a letter from the President. If you’re here just because you want to prove you talked to the President, or you want the President to send your loved one a congratulatory note, you’re in luck. In that “Message Type” box, select “Request a Presidential Greeting.” You’ll be redirected to a new form. There, select the occasion and enter your personal details to ask the President to send you a letter. [9]
    • The odds are extremely high the letter you’ll get is just an autogenerated form letter, but hey, that’ll be our little secret.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

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  1. You can use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube to contact the White House or the President. If you don’t already have an account, sign up for a free account. [10]
    • Be aware that the President may not have time to personally respond to your message. You can totally get the attention of a staffer, though.
  2. Write your message carefully and considerately. Avoid using inappropriate language or threats of any kind. Depending on the social media site, you can post using hashtags or handles, send a DM, or post directly on the President’s page or site. [11]
  3. Use the handles @WhiteHouse and/or @POTUS, or the hashtags #WhiteHouse and/or #POTUS if you send public messages. The President's personal accounts may stop being monitored, but the official White House and POTUS accounts all change hands when a new President is elected. Using the neutral handles and hashtags will help your messages stay visible. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How will I get to meet the POTUS?
    Community Answer
    You will have to talk with the congressperson who represents your congressional district, and then go through a three-month background check. Then you may qualify to meet the POTUS, and maybe the First Lady as well.
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  • Question
    Will I get a faster response using email or regular mail?
    Community Answer
    You will get a faster response using email then regular mail.
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  • Question
    What is the fastest way to contact the White House?
    Community Answer
    Use the White House website to send a message to the President. The site even states that this is the fastest way to contact POTUS.
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      Tips

      • Do not expect to reach the President himself unless there is some special reason that he would want to speak to you. You will probably speak with a staff member. Most correspondence to the President is also handled by a staff member.
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      • You can try emailing the president at president@whitehouse.gov or leaving a comment at comments@whitehouse.gov. However, the White House doesn’t include these email addresses on their website. Older, archived URLs mention these email addresses, but they’re not listed today. It’s likely that the White House staff no longer monitors or responds to emails.
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      Warnings

      • Please be aware that you may not get a reply from the President or his staff.
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      • Keep your letter, message, or call polite, professional, and appropriate. If it is judged to be threatening in any way, chances are very high that you will end up being investigated. Even if you're not a US citizen, you can suffer consequences, like being forbidden from entering the country, including permanently.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/
      2. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call
      3. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call
      4. ↑ https://theweek.com/articles/496043/who-answers-white-house-phone-anyway
      5. ↑ https://theweek.com/articles/496043/who-answers-white-house-phone-anyway
      6. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/white-house
      7. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
      8. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
      9. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
      1. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call
      2. ↑ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call
      3. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/19/technology/biden-white-house-twitter-account.html
      4. ↑ https://gspm.online.gwu.edu/blog/how-will-the-potus-social-media-account-transition-unfold/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To contact the President of the United States, send a letter addressed to the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500. You can also try calling the White House by dialing 202-456-1111 and asking to speak with the President, although you may be directed to someone else. Also, you can submit a comment to the White House by visiting whitehouse.gov/contact. If all else fails, try tweeting at the President by including the handle @POTUS at the end of your tweet. If you want to learn what tone to use when you reach out to the President, keep reading!

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