So How Much Did Michelle Obama’s Summer Trip to Africa Cost?
Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, akes a bow after they danced with children during a visit to the Emthonjeni Community Center in Zandspruit Township, Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: AP)
The watchdog group Judicial Watch has done some good ol’ fashion investigative work and number-crunching and come up with some figures regarding how much Michelle Obama’s summer trip to South Africa cost. Here’s what it found.
The group filed a freedom of Information Act request “seeking the mission taskings, transportation records, and passenger manifests for Michelle Obama’s Africa trip. It finally got them after filing a lawsuit.
It found the U.S. Air Force provided a C-32A aircraft, which is a modified Boeing 757, and that the cost for flying the First Lady and her entourage to and from Africa was $424,142 (34.8 flight hours x $12,188 per hour). In addition, it reports another $928.44 was spent on providing 192 meals for the 21 people who made the trip.
So who was part of the entourage? Well, as was reported at the time, the Obamas’ children — Sasha and Malia — as well as Michelle’s mother and niece and nephew joined her on the trip, which also included a personal safari and visit to Nelson Mandela. But here’s where it could get interesting: Judicial watch found that the manifest lists some of them as “senior staff:”
The passenger manifests confirm the presence of Obama’s daughter’s, Malia and Sasha on the trip. The two girls are listed as “Senior Staff.” The manifests also list Mrs. Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, and niece and nephew, Leslie and Avery Robinson, as well Mrs. Obama’s makeup and hairstylist (Carl Ray and Johnny Wright).
It’s unclear if the costs are what would be expected for such a trip. It’s also unclear if it is common practice to list family members as “senior staff.”The information, then, might not fit into the “oh my God” category and instead should be filed under “interesting.”
Might.
In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.
Popular Stories
The Scathing Speech That Just Got a Standing Ovation During the IRS Hearing 367 Comments
Was It Against Uniform Protocol for the Marine to Hold Obama’s Umbrella? 360 Comments
S.E. Cupp vs. Michael Moore on Guns: ‘I Just Happen to Be Informed’ 334 Comments
Obama Suggests IRS, Benghazi, AP Phone Scandal Are Just ‘Politics’ 213 Comments
Mom Loses Job for Posting This Message About Cops to her Facebook Page 211 Comments
Faith
-
Congressman: IRS Demanded to Know Content of Pro-Life Group's Prayers
Read More
-
You Criticized Obama: Famed Christian Radio Host Alleges Outrageous IRS Intimidation
173 Comments
-
Network Releases Statement on Pat Robertson's Controversial Advice to Cheated-On Women
140 Comments
-
'Blasphemy': Prominent Faith Leader Calls Obama Out Over His 'God Bless You' During Planned Parenthood Speech
186 Comments
-
Graphic New Details About Gosnell's Filthy and Flea-Ridden Home and Clinic Emerge: 'The Smells Were Just Unbearable'
Read More
Business
- This Map Shows the 'Riskiest' Places in the World Read More
-
Krauthammer's Impressed With Obama's IRS Answers: He Makes Bill Clintonâs Parsing Look Unsophisticated
Read More
-
Congressman: IRS Demanded to Know Content of Pro-Life Group's Prayers
Read More
- America off Limits: Soviet Tourists Were Banned from Visiting These Areas During the Cold War Read More
-
These Are the 4 Most Important Takeaways from Today's IRS Hearing
142 Comments
Technology
-
Woman Who Lost All Limbs to Flesh-Eating Bacteria Gets $200K Bionic Arms
Read More
-
Why Are These Zoo Keepers Baffled by This Anteaterâs Babies?
Read More
-
Largest Lunar Explosion in NASA History Caught on Video
109 Comments
-
Ever Wonder How It'd Look to Have Your Face Eaten by a Bear? Here's Your Answer
Read More
-
New Energy Secretary Named With Unanimous Confirmation
148 Comments
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (243)
wisehiney
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:34pmThere was an old rooster,
Sitting on a fence,
The rooster loved Rick Perry,
‘Cause he had good sense.
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:39pmRick “The establishment” Perry? Note how his views change on a daily basis, kinda like every other politician who has never held a private sector job in his life. Herman Cain baby, Herman Cain!!!
Report this comment
Dustyluv
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:46pmThat rooster will die when the RINO Rick sits on him….
Report this comment
HKS
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:57pmHey, what’s a million dollar vacation among friends. That state work b hard.
Report this comment
MIBUGNU2
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:06pmRick “RINO” is History, just another BS Politician…
Report this comment
godlovinmom
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:33pmNot that I don’t think the first family deserves a vacation…but this makes how many now?…do they not know whats going on with the economy and that we all need to tighten our belts?..if they wanted to show Americans that they think they’re better than us…well, they’ve suceeded….jeez michelle, get a clue!
Report this comment
brian8793
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:42pmYeah right. Rick Perry sucks. Romney owned him in the debates. Kiss that fool goodbye and stand behind Mitt Romney.
Stand behind Mitt Romney or enjoy another 4 with O.
It’s a simple choice…
Report this comment
Sheepdog911
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:51pm$424,142 (34.8 flight hours x $12,188 per hour). In addition, it reports another $928.44 was spent on providing 192 meals for the 21 people who made the trip. $928.44 forr the 21 people who made the trip? What’s that? Box lunches? That’s $4.83 per meal … Nancy Pelosi spent more than that $924 on each and every leg of ther cross-country trips for several years. Oh, and only 21 people? Was that the USAF and Secret Service personnel? Now, that explains the $4.83 per meal.
So, now you’ve covered the travel on the 757. What about the rest of the costs? If you believe that the trip only cost half a million, you’re either stupid or a liberal … OK, so one defines the other …. still ….
Report this comment
ChiefGeorge
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:06pmWhat about Bummers wife travels on the American dime?
Report this comment
antrancher
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:17pmSportlock?? Herman Cain? You mean Herman Cain with the Federal Reserve Herman Cain??
Report this comment
Professional Infidel
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:17pmlt makes me glad I don’t pay taxes for that, sales tax. No taxes for mexicans or other freeloaders like moochell and family. typical of both races.
Report this comment
HumbleMan
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:26pmI thought our president wasn’t going to rest until everyone has a job. What did I miss …?
Report this comment
getalong
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:46pmHow many more days till we can say bye-bye to the Obama’s and their extended family living the highlife off American taxpayers? I like Herman Cain, but I also like Bachman because she doesn’t change her views from day to day, and despite what MSNBC and others, and even Fox do to make her seem looney, she is thoughtful and intelligent. If we could combine Cain and Bachman that might be a good pairing. I would like to see Allen West as director of Homeland Security because I think he has a good sense of how dangerous Islamic radicalism is in this country.
Report this comment
motonutt
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:56pmDidn’t Humphry Bogart and Audry Hepbern make a movie about it one time called…
The African Queen?
It probly cost less to make that movie than her tax payer funded vacation.
I also noticed that she took her hair stylist and make-up artist, both males…I’m sure they are a cute little couple that had a great time at our expence. I wonder what the vasoline bill was?
Report this comment
Pontiac
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 9:03pmThis “summer trip” would have been better if there was no return trip… Stay over there!
@sportlock
Seconding Cain support.
Report this comment
jb.kibs
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 11:02pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZScgai5Cl0
Watch that Video…
as far as i know, Ron Paul is the only one who wants to put our money back into the hands of the US Treasury instead of the Privately owned Centralized Bank / “Federal” Reserve…
Report this comment
Mia Cav
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 12:02pmGet on the Cain Train!!
Report this comment
georgiavietvet
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 10:24pmwisehiney……………………..rick perry is a RINO………………………….. we don’t need him………………….
Report this comment
dublinthewagons
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 5:57amMoney well spent if it had been just one way tickets. Now the beast is proud of her country. Lol
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:30pmWhat the $@^# is wrong with you? Ever heard of the saying “white trash”?
Report this comment
bankerpapaw
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:26pmI’m ready for Michelle Antoinette to take a permanent vacation come 2012.
Report this comment
ACLUHater
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:36pmI would like to take a trip to trace my roots on taxpayer dimes, too.
Report this comment
Bluebonnet
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:58pmThis woman has the galling nerve to spend the tax payers money she does and still keep a straight face.
She seems to enjoy the amount of money she spends for her family pleasure.
I figured that for $424,142, I could buy a $200,000 home and have $50,000 per yr. for 4.4 years before I’d spend as much as she did for that trip to Africa. She is using the tax payers money for her fun. Well lady, have you fun, cause we won’t be paying for it after Nov. 2012. You will go down as the most extravagant first lady in our history. Not a pretty picture for everyone to know.
Report this comment
valricoslash
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:35pmThe Obama’s especially Moochell are upity. She has a “let them eat cake” attitude. Instead of playing “Hail to the Chief” when BO enters a room they should be playing the theme song from the “Jeffersons”.
Report this comment
Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:06pmpermanent vacation and take your freaking garden with ya….
Report this comment
CatB
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:20pm@BANKERPAPAW
Nailed it .. you know what she was shopping for at Target last week … CAKE !
TEA!
Report this comment
bankerpapaw
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:25pmI’m ready for Marie Antoinette to take a permanent vacation come 2012.
Report this comment
Married to a Liberal HELP
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:23pmHey, she is going to more than make up any splurges by shopping at target now.
I find it hard to believe that it cost $928.44 for 192 meals,about $5 a meal?
Report this comment
Sy Kosys
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:34pmSaw that too….SOMEBODY needs a math czar in the WH press corpse
GTFO 2012
Report this comment
loriann12
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:52pmI think they meant just for the flight, I don’t know how many meals a flight to Africa would require (how many meal “times” you go through to get there)…Illinois to Hawaii we got 2 meals and a snack. If we assume 3 meals, it would only be $14.74 a meal. Just like the military…charge more than the airlines would have. And you don’t think they could stoop to airline food, do you? I did hear that they paid for the personal part (safarhi and trip to Mandella), but the rest was to promote her healthy eating program, yes, while she ate fat cakes.
Report this comment
bdwatcher
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 10:36pmIt is a typo.. missed a couple of 0′s..That would make me feel better…..At least eat better then me..
Report this comment
sodacrackers2
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 8:51pmI thought those were on the plane meals, but even that doesn’t sound right.
Report this comment
mrsmileyface
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:18pmImagine that!! A Chicago politicians wife acting corrupt. You can knock me over with a feather now.
Report this comment
Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:09pmmy 1st thought was, shut the front door….
Report this comment
libertytreecaretaker
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:15pmIn government you have to justify your expenses. I don’t care who she brought, I don’t like it but I don’t care but if you falseify that expense sheet for what ever reason it is a crime! But the family in the White House has been stilling from the tax payer since they moved in! Business as usual!
Report this comment
tom
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:15pmThe Obama’s are only concerned about their base. Since it consists of those who only voted for him because of his color, he knows he can get away with anything when it comes to America’s money. Vote him out in 2012, the rest of the family hopefully will follow.
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:34pmUnfortunately, these expenses are nothing new to any occupants of the White House. Of course if you run on hope and change…..Well lets face the facts, no MSM will report what the Obama’s say vs what the Obama’s do
Report this comment
JeannieD
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:54pmThe majority of the “people” who voted fo him don’t pay taxes
Report this comment
loriann12
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:12pmYea, like the bumper sticker:
If you voted for Obama in 2008 to prove you weren’t a racist, you’ll have to vote for someone else in 2012 to prove you aren’t an idiot.
Report this comment
Hailme
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 4:08pm@JeannieD
The majority of the people who voted for Barry also take vacations on tax payers dime.
Report this comment
cassandra
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:15pmIs she proud of her country yet?????
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:36pmThats an easy one….No
Report this comment
MidWestMom
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:37pmNo, but she’s proud about how much of the country’s money she can spend.
Report this comment
Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:10pmCome Nov 2012, I am going to be extremly proud of my country…
Report this comment
sodacrackers2
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 8:54pmShe will be proud of her country when all the working conservatives are in reeducation camps and they can get those printing presses going 24/7 to pass out more money to their homies.
Report this comment
quicker
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:14pmPeople need to understand the only people that drive around in Rolls Royce and Mercades Benz in a comminest country are the leaders.Everyone else walks.
Report this comment
Mike Benton
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:35pmI spent a week in Moscow a few years ago and the [place is a hell hole. No city in America is as bad.
Report this comment
motonutt
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:13pmI have no problem with the trip over….it’s the trip back that we could have saved some money on.
Report this comment
let us prey
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:20pmBravo. I only wish that lotion man would have snuck his way on the flight.
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:46pmMotonut,
good one
Report this comment
Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:11pmah, the one way ticket…great idea, why didnt someone tell the pilot?
Report this comment
carbonated
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:13pm….In addition, it reports another $928.44 was spent on providing 192 meals for the 21 people who made the trip.
Actually that is surprisingly cheap. That’s the big shocker!
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:50pmAppox. 58 “muffins”
Report this comment
rtist542010
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:13pmShe’s like a welfare queen in Vegas!
Report this comment
motonutt
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:28pmThats over 9 meals per person. How many meals does a person normaly get on a flight over and back?
Report this comment
Bluebonnet
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:52pmI wondered about that myself, but decided not to figure it out because I was more concerned about the $424,142 they said the trip cost and just assumed they had some prepaid meals with the locals at special events. They prob. didn’t have Kobe steak & lobster (her favorite) but what the heck.
As I said, I could have bought a $200,000 house and $50,000 a year for 4.4 years for what was
spent on a short trip. geez! What a money grabber that woman is. She must be finally proud of USA.
Report this comment
majorsco
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:13pmHow many jobs would have been funded by spending it on something important instead of another taxpayer paid vacation for Michelle? She obviously doesn’t care about the people who’s money she’s spending instead of what those hard earned tax dollars were paid for!!
Report this comment
MicHawk
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 4:06pmHalf-milion dollars = 10 x $50,000(JUST THE FLIGHT?!?!? so how much more was the hotel, safari, food, etc, etc!?!?! ) She could have employed at least 10 teachers for an entire year for the cost of her “vacation” or 20 teachers aides! or fed how many kids?!?!?! sereiously – THEIR spending has got to stop – GOVERNMENT’S WASTEFUL SPENDING HAS GOT TO STOP- WE CAN’T AFFORD IT ANY MORE!!!
Report this comment
db321
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:12pmYea – but she shopped at Target last week.
Report this comment
Skrewedretiree
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:48pmOf COUSE she shopped at Target! It’s anti-gun, anti-wounded veterans, pro-gay, pro-Socilist and owned by the FRENCH!
Report this comment
UrbanCombatSurvivor
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:41pmNote that it wasn’t Walmart, who have successfully fought off the union thugs. It was Target, who supports socialism.
Report this comment
patriotteapress
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 8:47pmTarget the store that paints a communist red bulls-eye on the little people’s stuff.
Report this comment
jakartaman
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:12pmThey had better get in all the perks they can.
They will be packing soon.
We will need to have someone at the door watching what they take.
Barry is going to lose by a landslide and bring the whole democratic party down with him.
Thank You Barry
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:44pmThe perks for an ex President and wife are pretty sweet aswell. My guess is they will become the new Al Gore’s of the world, except not pushing climate fraud, my guess would be race hustling.
Report this comment
MIBUGNU2
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:47pmLike to send them packin’ TODAY !!!
Report this comment
biohazard23
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:11pmWow, a make-up artist AND a hair stylist?? Well, no one expects them to be miracle workers…. What was that about lipstick on a pig? Or was it Chewbacca…?
Report this comment
babylonvi
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:20pmHey, you don’t be makin’ fun ‘a Chewy now, ya hear!
Report this comment
chuck_wagon
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 9:54amChewy needall the help she cget!
Report this comment
shirelover
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:11pm“The two girls are listed as Senior Staff”?? What is wrong with the truth? No one minds that “once in a lifetime” vacation, after all, everyone knows how broadening travel is. I seriously do not mind the vacation, but why in the world can she not tell the truth??? It makes me wonder what else she has lied about.
Report this comment
MidWestMom
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:35pmSorry, it’s not the taxpayers responsibility to provide them a “once in a lifetime vacation”. And if they think it is, then where’s the money for mine?
Report this comment
MIBUGNU2
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:02pmWhy do these people choose to deceive us ???
Report this comment
biohazard23
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:10pmWow, a make-up girl AND a hair stylist?? Miracle workers they are not….. Something about lipstick on a pig, or Chewbacca…..
Report this comment
let us prey
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:28pmHere is some biohazard for you.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Why do you lie, why do you cheat
Why do you try and deceive
Always twisting around what you say
You better change your foolish ways
This world does not need
Always finding new friends to betray
Payback now
I can’t find reason to believe
any word you say is true
Always living surrounded by lies
unless it comes from deep within
Honesty’s not for you
Your actions will end in your demise
Payback now
Report this comment
biohazard23
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 7:06pmYep, sounds like the Obumblers, alright…..
Report this comment
Slowman101
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:08pmNo surprise there. More corruption. Fraud, waste and special interests at work. They should reimburse the taxpayers. Offhand, I wonder how many more vacations they will take before we hopefully get them out in 2012??
Report this comment
crusaderinsc
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:07pmno reason to be deceptive about the kids, unless you’re just the kind of individual thats so used to deceiving people, it’s almost like its done just out of habit…
Report this comment
jzs
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:31pmLaura Bush made five “official” trips to Africa, so I think she’s still the record holder a mile.
Report this comment
sportlock
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:58pmJZS,
Surely you could have found this tidbit yourself, very uh, deceptive of you.
During President George W. Bush’s second term, Laura was more involved in foreign matters. She traveled to numerous countries as a representative of the United States.
As First Lady, she took five goodwill trips to Africa.[49] The purpose of these has mostly been to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and malaria, but Bush has also stressed the need for education and greater opportunities for women.[50] She has taken many other trips to other countries to promote and gain support for President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief;[51] these countries include Zambia (2007),[52] Mozambique (2007),[53] Mali (2007),[54] Senegal (2007),[55] and Haiti (2008).[51]
In mid-2007, she took a trip to Burma where she spoke out in support of the pro-democracy movement, and urged Burmese soldiers and militias to refrain from violence.[56] Later that October, she ventured to the Middle East. Bush said she was in the region in an attempt to improve America’s image by highlighting concern for women’s health, specifically promoting her breast cancer awareness work with the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.[56][57] She defined the trip as successful, saying that stereotypes were broken on both sides.[56]
And you compare Laura Bush to a African Safari? Improving zebra and lion relations, maybe?
Report this comment
jkjk
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 8:23amJZS, How many trips has the first worthless taken already in two years ? How many golf outings and vacations has worthless in chief had in two years? How many times has worthless in chief flown around for fund raising. Lets not let us get abused financially for another term. I guarantee you if, GOD FORBID!!!!!!!! worthless wins in 2012, we should then compare the Bush’s and classless community organizers bills. All of you lefty’s forget Bush was in office for 8 years, and dip pity worthless has done already broken records in spending in just two. Get your facts correct! 2012 Newt / Cain
Report this comment
booger71
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:06pmA gazillion dollars
Report this comment
The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:05pm“So How Much Did Michelle Obama’s Summer Trip to Africa Cost?”
Ummm…not enough if she came back : (
Report this comment
quicker
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:17pmGood one
Report this comment
Isaiah52021
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:05pmDon’t all communist leaders live extravagant lives?
Report this comment
booger71
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:41pmYep, communism like socialism, like marxism is for people not the leaders
Report this comment
Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:01pmSo The Trip back to Obama’s “Homeland”(her words.not mine) cost us an arm and a leg. Hair dresser as senior staff? So,John Edwards was elected after all!
Report this comment
GEW
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:08pmMy friend tells me that the Obama’s (or Presidents) pay for their own vacations. That they reimburse the government out of their own personally accounts. Is this true or not? I really don’t know.
Report this comment
The10thAmendment
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:08pmWell I can see having a Hairdresser for that witch being a senior staff worker. That pig needs all the lipstick that can be slapped on it.
Report this comment
Restored One
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:13pmFood seems to be on the cheaper side this trip.
Report this comment
The10thAmendment
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:14pm@ GEW
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:08pm
My friend tells me that the Obama’s (or Presidents) pay for their own vacations. That they reimburse the government out of their own personally accounts. Is this true or not? I really don’t know.
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Tell your friend to lay off the LSD. There are absolutely no records of the Obama’s checking or savings accounts ever reflecting anything resembling that suggestion.
Report this comment
netmail
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:16pmWell, they’re trying to break the country one trip at a time and doing a darn good job of it. They brought Edwards along to carry the bags and the hair dresser to do them both. Remember Richard Pryor in Brewster’s Millions? That would be Moochelle..but she’s spending AMERICA’S Millions and THIS is no movie,
Report this comment
MidWestMom
Posted on October 4, 2011 at 6:42pmThe day I’ll believe they pay for their own vacations is the day they show me the check they wrote.
Report this comment
Bill Burns
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 6:11pmNo.
Report this comment