The president grew up in Hawaii, and Christmas there is an annual family tradition. The most recent trip marked the seventh consecutive time the Obamas have spent the holidays in Hawaii – the sixth as the first family. All told, those Christmas vacations have cost taxpayers $15.5 million just in transportation expenses, according to figures obtained by Judicial Watch over the past three years.
The average American family spent $4,580 on Christmas last year, Judicial Watch reported.
Last July, Obama headed to the West Coast for a three-day fundraising tour on behalf of the Democratic National Committee. His visit to Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles encompassed at least five fundraisers, including one where guests paid as much as $32,400 to attend.
While the funds raised during the trip went to the DNC, all American taxpayers were forced to foot the $2.4 million cost to transport the president. According to campaign finance laws, the DNC only has to pay the equivalent of a commercial airline ticket to fly Obama, while taxpayers must pay for the lion’s share of Air Force One’s operating cost, which the Air Force estimates at $228,000 to $288,000 an hour.
Last August, the Obama family left on Air Force One for a two-week vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. Transportation for that trip cost taxpayers more than $400,600.
According to the Washington Examiner, “the First Family has racked up 38 holidays, working vacations, and fun trips like a date night in New York. They are on par to take at least 45 holidays before leaving office.”
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said: “The Obamas’ travel is out of control. They are treating the Air Force One like an Uber ride. Our military deserves better. The Secret Service is stretched to the breaking point by President’s Obama’s abusive travel.”
“And President Obama seems oblivious to the burden he is placing on Americans with his continuous vacations, getaways, and political junkets at taxpayer expense,” he added.
