How much did Michelle Obama spend on vacations?

Answer 1

First, be aware that it is a common tactic in politics (and both sides do it) to accuse the president or the first lady of being extravagant or wasting taxpayer dollars on costly items. However, all presidents and their wives do take vacations, and whenever they do, partisan media immediately accuse them of over-spending. But based on comparisons to previous first ladies, there is no evidence that Mrs. Obama has spent any more on vacations than other first ladies and their families.

A good example is Mrs. Obama's visit to Spain in August of 2010. While partisan sources offered exaggerated accounts of what she spent (much of which she paid for herself), there is no denying that presidential travel (including families of presidents) is expensive. As the New York Times noted, "... Every first lady in modern times has flown on government planes with a sizable security detail, and it is hard to pinpoint the cost to taxpayers. The Air Force jet she flew costs $11,351 per hour to operate, according to several reports, meaning a 14-hour round trip would cost nearly $160,000. The first lady would reimburse only the equivalent of first-class commercial tickets for herself and her daughter Sasha, the rest of the seats being occupied mainly by Secret Service. Officials said their friends flew on separate commercial flights."

A link to the article, which lists some expenses for travel by Mrs. Obama and other first ladies, is enclosed below.

Answer 2

Contrary to internet myths, the two have spent roughly the same amount. (They also had the same number of staff-members, contrary to another internet myth.) By the way, for generations, the public has been critical of First Ladies, accusing them of spending too much, being extravagant, and wasting taxpayer money. But much of the time, these claims are politically motivated and not based in fact.

Answer 3

According to the Midland Daily News, George W. Bush spent $20 million estimating each trip of Air Force 1 to be $56,800.

Answer 4

59 million dollars

Answer 5

Too much!

Answer 6

$700,000.