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What has Barack Obama done since leaving office, what is he doing with Netflix and what have other ex-Presidents done?

PIPE bombs have been sent to Barack Obama, formally left office in January 2017 when he handing over the reins to President Donald Trump.
What has the former President been doing since leaving the leaving the White House? Here's our guide.

 Barack Obama left office in January 2017, handing over the presidency to Donald Trump
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Barack Obama left office in January 2017, handing over the presidency to Donald TrumpCredit: Reuters

What has Barack Obama done since leaving the White House?

Barack Obama spent his last day as the US President on January 20, 2017.

Obama spent his first week off holidaying in Palm Springs, California, as a guest of the Spanish ambassador.

In his second week of leaving the White House, Obama and his wife Michelle headed to billionaire Richard Branson's Moskito Island for a relaxing break.

During the holiday he was pictured kite surfing and wrestling with his tycoon pal on Necker Island.

But while they have been seen enjoying the kickbacks of a break from Washington DC, Obama has lived up to his word after vowing to be vocal if he saw “core issues” under threat from the Trump presidency.

He threw his support behind protests against Trump's "Muslim travel ban", which prohibited entry to the US of travellers and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries before a judge temporarily halted the order.

 Former president Barack Obama was pictured wrestling on holiday with each pal Richard Branson
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Former president Barack Obama was pictured wrestling on holiday with each pal Richard BransonCredit: PA:Press Association

What is Barack and Michelle Obama's deal with Netflix?

In May 2018, Netflix said it had struck a ground-breaking deal with President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama to produce hit shows.

The couple will work on scripted and unscripted series as well as docu-series, documentary films, and multi-million pound feature productions.

They have created Higher Ground Productions, a company to produce content for Netflix, the streaming service announced.

Mr Obama has reportedly told associates he does not intend to use the new platform to wage a public campaign against his successor in the Oval Office.

“One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience,” said President Obama.

“That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix - we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”

Michelle said: “Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others,” she said.

“Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.”

 Barack and Michelle Obama have announced a £48million book deal for two volumes uncovering their time in the White House
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Barack and Michelle Obama have announced a £48million book deal for two volumes uncovering their time in the White HouseCredit: Reuters

How much is Barack and Michelle Obama's book deal worth?

Barack Obama and wife Michelle have signed a megabucks £48million deal to reveal all about their time in the White House.

The vast sum is six times more than George W. Bush was handed when he stepped down in 2009.

The deal covers two books - one written by the former President and one by Michelle.

A date for the book's launch has yet to be announced by publisher Penguin.

But they are likely to become best-sellers when they finally hits the shelves.

Obama is already a noted writer having penned best-selling memoir Dream from My Father, charting his heritage, youth and journey into politics.

He later wrote political tome The Audacity of Hope.

What have other presidents done after their term in office?

American presidents are known for living comfortably following their political careers.

US law gifts them an office and continues to fund their expenses for the rest of their lives.

Staggeringly, the General Services Administration revealed that George W. Bush was given a personal allowance of £900,000 last year.

After battling through gruelling terms, many presidents decide to enjoy taking a retirement or having a break from work.

Eisenhower retired to his farm in Gettysburg in Pennsylvania and in 1972, Truman decided to pursue his love of reading and writing.

Following their terms, a number of presidents have continued to work politically through organisations.

George Bush has collaborated with charities on aid programs which help victims of natural disasters.

Jimmy Carter has also continued to work politically, pushing social justice initiatives such as Habit for Humanity.

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