The first family flew over the deep freeze impacting 150 million in 28 states to Hawaii for their final presidential Christmas vacation.
Upon landing Saturday in Honolulu, the temperature was 70 degrees, the third warmest reading on the U.S. Weather Channel map.
“Ideal temperature as the Obamas descended the staircase. The tarmac was wet as showers have been forecast for days. Motorcade is on the move,” said a White House press pool report.
The Obama’s plan to spend 17 days on the island, their traditional holiday getaway spot.
Before leaving, President Obama decried the partisanship in the nation he had hoped to heal during his eight years. And he indicated that he is ready to resume criticizing President-elect Trump.
According to spending estimates culled through Freedom of Information Act suits filed by taxpayer watchdog Judicial Watch, the trip is likely to cost taxpayers $5 million, bringing the total travel tab of the first family to $90 million.
The White House has said that there will be little public work done during the vacation. “Aside from the president’s visit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe which will be advised separately, the president and first family do not have any scheduled public events during their time in Hawaii,” said the White House.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
