Obama Family Africa Trip Most Expensive In HISTORY… Estimated Cost $60 to $100 Million

Guest Post by Mara Zebest

Not only is this the most expensive trip in presidential history (mentioned at the :40 second marker of below video), but also note that the video discusses all the cargo planes (accompanying Obama) as well as an interesting detail in which military jets will be doing a fly-over 24/7. Typically military jets are available and only fly-over when needed. But Obama wants 24/7 fly-over coverage.

Too bad that Obama didn’t feel the same sense of urgency when our SEALs and American Ambassador needed security in Benghazi.

Both the Weekly Standard and WaPo are reporting on the following story:

When President Obama makes his first extended trip to sub-Saharan Africa this month, the federal agencies charged with keeping him safe won’t be taking any chances.

Hundreds of U.S. Secret Service agents will be dispatched to secure facilities in Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. A Navy aircraft carrier or amphibious ship, with a fully staffed medical trauma center, will be stationed offshore in case of an emergency.

Military cargo planes will airlift in 56 support vehicles, including 14 limousines and three trucks loaded with sheets of bulletproof glass to cover the windows of the hotels where the first family will stay. Fighter jets will fly in shifts, giving 24-hour coverage over the president’s airspace, so they can intervene quickly if an errant plane gets too close. […]

Read more here.

Keep in mind that Government always underestimates the cost to the American Taxpayer. Thus, it would not surprise me if the trip exceeds the upper limits of current cost estimates.

Other questions that come to mind: What is in Africa that requires this trip (for the whole family)? No doubt, this trip will add to the deficit in which there will be a debt ceiling debate sooner than later. Will Boehner still eagerly jump on raising the debt limit so Obama is free to spend taxpayer money in this manner?

 

 

Thanks for sharing!