He still has two long vacations and multiple fundraising trips to go before leaving the White House, but so far President Obama’s domestic travel has cost taxpayers over $79.5 million in transportation, hotels and security, according to newly released expenses.
The newest documents from the Department of Homeland Security revealed that the Secret Service alone spent $465,420 during the first family’s summer break on Martha’s Vineyard island last year.
And Secret Service expenses for a July 2014 fundraiser to Seattle and Los Angeles topped $259,000, on top of previously reported Air Force transportation expenses of $2.4 million.
“Taxpayers should be incensed that the Secret Service’s resources on wasted to provide security for endless golf excursions, political fundraisers, and luxury vacations,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “President Obama’s travel is a scandal. It’s about his abuse of the office and his abuse of hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”
Judicial Watch received the latest batch of documents through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The group has been documenting the travel cost of the Obamas.
That has reached over $79.5 million, and doesn’t include every charge.
For example, first lady Michelle Obama spent over $1 million on her recent family trip to Africa, Spain and Morocco, according to figures reviewed by Secrets.
Below are the newest trip costs tabulated by Judicial Watch.
— Trip to Seattle and Los Angeles, July 2014: $237,731.05 on hotels, $19,888.70 on rental cars and $1,451.40 on air/rail travel – for a total of $259,071.15. This trip was solely for fund-raising, specifically to boost the treasuries of two “super pacs” for congressional candidates in the mid-term election. Judicial Watch previously reported that Air Force transportation expenses for this trip cost taxpayers $2,425,085.50 – bringing the grand total to $2,684,156.60.
— Trip to Westchester, NY, and Providence, RI, August 29-September 1, 2014: $63,177 on hotels and $1,801.45 on rental cars – for a total of $64,978.45. This trip was for fundraising and attending the wedding of an MSNBC host. Judicial Watch previously reported that Air Force transportation for this trip cost $1,539,402.10 – bringing the grand total to $1,604,380.50.
— Trip to Martha’s Vineyard, August 2015: $457,310.33 on hotels, $271.56 in car rentals, and $7,838.60 on air/rail travel – bringing the grand total to $465,420.49. This was the sixth year for the Obama family summer getaway to Martha’s Vineyard.
— Trip to Palm Springs, February 2015: $149,101.36 on hotels and $9,199.38 on car rentals – for a total of $158,300.74. This trip was reportedly to meet with leaders from 10 Southeast Asian nations to discuss North Korea, China and trade. But, the president also played golf, held several Democratic fundraisers, and filmed an episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Judicial Watch previously reported that Air Force travel expenses for the President totaled $1,031,685 – bringing the grand total to $1,189,985.70.
— Trip to New York City, July 17-20, 2015: $266,186.04 on hotels and $1,112.31 on car rentals – for a total of $267,298.35. This outing was a weekend getaway for the president, his daughters and some of their friends. The president also attended a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in Manhattan. Judicial Watch previously reported that Air Force travel expenses for the President on this trip totaled $309,505.50 – for a grand total of $576,803.85.
— Trip to Los Angeles, October 2014: $140,640.94 on hotels and $3,118 on car rentals – for a total of $143,758.94. On this trip, the president designated a portion of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument. He also attended a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. Judicial Watch previously reported that the President’s Air Force travel expenses totaled $1,176,120.90 – for a grand total of $1,319,879.80.
— Trip to Los Angeles, June 18-21, 2015: $311,922.11 on hotels and $21,269.71 on rental cars. This trip was for a speaking engagement with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and for Democratic National Committee fundraisers in private residences in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills – for a grant total of $333,191.82.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
