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Obama Family Charges Taxpayers $3.6M For Christmas Vacation Flights

Christmas
President Obama and daughter Malia tour the Honolulu Zoo / AP
March 31, 2016

President Obama and his family spent nearly $3.6 million in taxpayer money on flight expenses alone for their 2015 Christmas vacation to Honolulu, Hawaii, according to a new watchdog report.

Department of the Air Force records obtained by Judicial Watch, the watchdog group, revealed that the flight costs for the 15-day vacation cost taxpayers $3,590,313.60. The Obamas traveled aboard Air Force One and a Boeing C-32A, the latter apparently used to transport first lady Michelle Obama.

The known travel expenses for the Obama family and Vice President Joe Biden have totaled more than $78 million.

According to the Air Force records, the per-hour flight cost for Air Force One is $180,118 and the same cost for the Boeing C-32A is $15,846. The Obamas flew 18.2 hours in Air Force one, putting the total cost of travel on the aircraft at $3,278,147.60. The flight time for the Boeing C-32A was 19.7 hours, which cost $312,166.

The passenger cabin of the Boeing C-32A is broken into four sections, one of which is designated for the "primary passenger" and features "a changing area, private lavatory, separate entertainment system, two first-class swivel seats, and a convertible divan that seats three and folds out to a bed," according to a fact sheet provided by the U.S. Air Force.

The aircraft also features a communications center, a conference and staff facility, and multiple lavatories and closets.

The Obama family spent 15 days in Hawaii on vacation, visiting Honolulu Zoo, attending a luau at a friend’s home, snorkeling, and frequently dining out. The president also golfed several times.

The Obamas embarked on the trip just days after terrorists shot and killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California.

Published under: Barack Obama