The Information CBS Reporter Says the White House Won’t Release Because It ‘Might Be Embarrassing and Would Draw Lots of Criticism’

CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller criticized the White House late last week for refusing to release documents revealing how much President Barack Obama's fundraising trips cost the taxpayer.

"[R]epeated requests are turned down for a breakdown of the costs and an explanation and specific examples of how the White House calculates how much is paid by taxpayers and how much must be reimbursed to the government by the Democratic National Committee or others," Knoller wrote in an article.

President Barack Obama arrives at San Francisco International Airport on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, in San Francisco. Obama is scheduled to attend two fundraising events before departing Saturday. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

"There's absolutely nothing in the information related to national security. It wouldn't do ISIS a bit of good if it got hold of the information," he added.

Knoller contended instead that "very simply" the White House "doesn't want to disclose the material because it might be embarrassing and would draw lots of criticism, which Mr. Obama can do without."

However, he argued that failing to do so sits in direct contrast with the president's campaign promises.[sharequote align="right"]"...flies in the face of his oft-stated commitment to transparency and open government."[/sharequote]

"[T]he brick wall erected around that information by Mr. Obama's White House flies in the face of his oft-stated commitment to transparency and open government," Knoller wrote.

On Monday evening, the White House announced Obama will travel to New Jersey on Wednesday to attend another fundraiser. The president just wrapped up a three-day fundraising trip in California last week.

(H/T: Daily Caller)

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