A watchdog group obtained federal records that showed a 2010 trip by Michelle Obama to Spain cost taxpayers $467,000 in travel and security expenses.
The First Lady, her younger daughter Sasha, two of Michelle’s friends and four of their daughters took the summer vacation two years ago. At the time, some criticized her for taking such a lavish vacation in the midst of tough economic times.
The White House said that Michelle Obama and her friends had paid for their rooms, food, and transportation. As it turned out, though, the cost of flying a government plane exceeded what the First Lady reimbursed. In addition, Secret Service protection for Michelle and Sasha was covered by the government, as was additional government transportation while in Spain and the cost of bringing over aides to support the First Lady while visiting King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia.
