Washington, DC., USA, 1991 President George H.W. Bush talks with and answers reporters questions during a press briefing in the White House Press briefing room.

13 surprising ways U.S. presidents bent the rules

We think we know what a president can do, but many decisions happen behind closed doors. Some actions rewrite laws, others influence courts or economies. Most Americans never hear about these moves, yet they shape the country. Here are 13 instances when presidents bent the rules or used their powers in unexpected ways.