Despite a much publicized set-up of MICHELLE OBAMA low-balling at Target, a shocking new report says her African vacation cost taxpayers way over $400,000!
US News and World Report reported that the First Lady’s family trip to South Africa and Botswana this past June cost Americans over $424,000, according to new accounting information made public by Judicial Watch, a taxpayer watchdog org.
The group stated using Air Force aircraft alone for the June 21-27 trip cost $424,142, and THAT doesn't include the food, lodging, and ground transportation for family and staff members—totaling over 21 personnel.
Judicial Watch stated it based the figures on the Pentagon’s hourly rates for the C-32A jet aircraft used for the excursion. The docs don't give exact cost calculations – typically the norm for presidential and first family trips and vacations.
According to Judicial Watch files obtained under The Freedom of Information Act:
“ According to U.S. Department of Defense's published hourly rates for the C-32A aircraft used for the trip, Judicial Watch calculated the total cost to American taxpayers was $424,142 for use of the aircraft (34.8 flight hours x $12,188 per hour). (The C-32 is a specially configured military version of the Boeing 757.) Other expenses – meals (off the plane), transportation, security, various services, etc. – have yet to be disclosed.
“The passenger manifests confirm the presence of Obama's daughter's, Malia and Sasha on the trip. The two girls are listed as "Senior Staff." The manifests also list Mrs. Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, and niece and nephew, Leslie and Avery Robinson, as well Mrs. Obama's makeup and hairstylist (Carl Ray and Johnny Wright).
“The expense records also show $928.44 was spent for "bulk food" purchases on flight. Overall, during the trip, 192 meals were served for the 21 passengers on board.”
Naturally, the White House disputed the documentation.
“The number stated is misconstrued and out of context. The hourly rate is not the marginal cost of operation the plane – it is an accounting figure that prices in a number of fixed costs from maintaining the Air Force fleet for this kind of plane over a year," said a White House spokesperson.
The ENQUIRER first reported Michelle’s over-the-top spending sprees in a series of bombshell reports some of which are listed below in MORE NEWS.
