Michelle Obama's Africa Vacation Cost More Than $432,142
First lady Michelle Obama's ****** trip to South Africa and Botswana in June cost taxpayers well over $424,000, according to new accounting based on Air ***** manifests obtained by Judicial Watch, a taxpayer watchdog group.
The use of Air ***** aircraft alone for the June 21-27 trip cost $424,142, said the group, and that doesn't include the food, lodging, and ground transportation for the 21 ****** and staff members.
Charges for the Aircraft and Crew Alone Amount to $424,142
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 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.
Previously, Judicial Watch uncovered that the First Couple's 2009 "date night" trip to New York for dinner and a Broadway show cost taxpayers over $11,000in Secret Service costs alone.
