Obama's 'Vacation, Political Travel' Cost $100M Ov
Post# of 51169
President Barack Obama's vacation travel costs during his eight-year presidency have totaled more than $96 million, according to a report by Judicial Watch.
The government watchdog foundation said it filed two separate Freedom of Information Act lawsuits for Secret Service costs related to the Obama family's travel.
The costs totaled $96,938,882.51 over the past eight years, according to documents Judicial Watch received from the Secret Service and the U.S. Air Force.
"President-elect Trump can immediately save taxpayers money by reforming presidential travel," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said.
"The Obamas' notorious abuse of presidential travel perks wasted military resources and stressed the Secret Service. Judicial Watch estimates that the final costs of Obama’s unnecessary vacation and political travel will well exceed $100 million."
The figure was originally reported as $85 million, but the Obamas' current trip to Hawaii, as well as the release of additional documents, have increased the estimate.
A panel on Thursday's "Varney & Co." debated how these travel expenses will factor into Obama's legacy as president.
Fox Business reporter Adam Shapiro said Obama's travel costs were higher than President George W. Bush's two terms, though he pointed out the Bush family often visited their ranch in Crawford, Texas.
"Any money we spend getting Obama away from the seat of power is money well spent," said U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX).