This European trip with the girls and her mom is just a huge vacation compliments of the American taxpayers. She might want you to believe it’s for “Let Girls Learn” but it’s obvious this is a European tour for the girls and mom. The cost for the hotel alone while they’re in Venice is staggering! Next stop…Cape Cod to spend more of your money…
Hotel costs for First Lady Michelle Obama to see cultural sites in Venice during the last leg of her trip overseas is costing taxpayers $128,781.
The First Lady left for London and Italy on Monday for her “Let Girls Learn” initiative and anti-obesity campaign Let’s Move. During the trip she will cook with children, visit U.S. service members stationed in Italy, and visit Prince Harry.
“From London, the First Lady will travel to Milan,” according to the White House press office. “As part of her Let’s Move! initiative, the First Lady will lead a Presidential Delegation to the Milan Expo 2015, representing our steadfast commitment to a healthier nation.”
The delegation is entitled “American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet.”
“Mrs. Obama and the Delegation will also participate in a cooking activity with children,” the press office said. “In addition to visiting the U.S. Pavilion, the First Lady will meet with Prime Minister Renzi, and tour the Italian Pavilion with Ms. Landini, the Prime Minister’s wife.”
“From there, the First Lady will travel to Vicenza, Italy,” they said. “As part of the Joining Forces initiative, Mrs. Obama will visit members of the military and their families stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza.”
“The First Lady looks forward to personally thanking the service members and their families and reminding them that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed by the American people,” the press office said.
“The First Lady will also visit cultural sites in Venice before returning to Washington, D.C.,” the statement concluded.
A State Department contract for “Lodging for FLOTUS Venice,” shows costs of $128,781. The American Embassy in Rome awarded the contract, which was signed June 10.
VIA: WFB
“For security and other reasons, the President, Vice President, and First Lady use military aircraft when they travel. The White House generally categorizes the trips as fulfilling either official or political functions. Often, a trip involves both official and political, or unofficial, activities. When a trip is for an official function, the government pays all costs, including per diem (food and lodging), car rentals, and other incidental expenses.”
For more info on who pays what when traveling: PRESIDENTIAL TRAVEL: POLICIES AND COST
