During Donald Trump's campaign for president, he vowed not to take any unnecessary vacations, which was often used as a talking point against former President Barack Obama. Despite this, Trump has spent a considerable amount of time at his Florida resort in Palm Beach, and the American taxpayers are covering the costs.
Trump's vacation time
Donald Trump has spent the better part of his entire business life flying in an out of his private hotels, resorts, and casinos, doing it all on is own dime and living the good life because of it. However, with Trump now the new president, his travel expenses are covered by the people who voted for him, against him, or didn't vote at all.
As of press time, the former host of "The Apprentice" has spent five weekends at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, totaling 17 of his 68 days in the office. During Wednesday's press briefing at the White House, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked about Trump's feelings on the issue, as reported by The Hill on March 29.
While taking questions at the press briefing, Sean Spicer was asked by a local reporter if Donald Trump had "any concerns about the pushback" from taxpayers for covering the costs of his Mar-a-Lago visits. In a quick response, Spicer confirmed that Trump didn't feel bad at all, stating, "No, he feels great."
A government agency has agreed to review the costs associated with Donald Trump’s travel and stays at Mar-a-Lago. https://t.co/fmRkmBtWna
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) March 28, 2017
In a recent article, the Los Angeles Times reported that each trip to the Florida resort is costing an average of $3 million, with a Washington Post report on the issue estimating that taxpayers will be on the hook for close to a half-a-billion dollars by the end of Donald Trump's first term in office.
In addition, Secret Service has asked for an increase of almost $30 million to help protect First Lady Melania Trump who is still living at Trump Tower until 10-year-old Barron Trump is finished with school in June.
Taxpayers pick up the tab for Trump’s pricey golf excursions https://t.co/xEXvDe0HvP via @latimesopinion pic.twitter.com/HUQtfszn5b
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) March 28, 2017
Winter White House
Donald Trump has spent so much time at Mar-a-Lago that the resort has been nicknamed the "Winter White House." Despite vowing to cut costs and not take any unnecessary trips, the president appears to be backing off his promise and going about his own business, regardless if the people like it or not.
