MAIL ONLINE: With thousands of families struggling to raise funds for Christmas, you would think the Obamas might manage a little thriftiness.
But today, Michelle Obama and her two daughters fly to Hawaii for a 17-day holiday - days before the president joins them.
The separate flights will incur costs of more than $100,000 to the taxpayer.
Obama has vowed to stay in Washington until Congress passes an extension of the payroll tax cut and will join his family before Christmas.
By not waiting for Congress to reach a decision before jetting off together, the family is inflicting eye-watering costs on the taxpayer.
When Michelle flew to Hawaii alone last year, it cost a staggering $63,000 - without security or staff costs - according to White House Dossier website.
Michelle, 13-year-old Malia and 10-year-old Sasha will leave Washington Friday after giving toys to the Marines Corps’ Toys for Tots programme.
Barack Obama previously said to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: 'Michelle and the girls are going to have a great time in Hawaii. They don't need me there.'
The president's family covers the cost of a private beach front residence in Kailua, Oahu, for the vacation - a ‘Winter White House’ that costs up to $3,500 a day, or $75,000 a month.
But the local and federal taxpayers help pay the bill for travel and security.
Last year the trip cost more than $1 million, according to the Hawaii Reporter.
The move also puts the president at odds with one of his own executive orders that instructed agencies to avoid unnecessary flights, said the site. Read on and comment » | Lydia Warren | Friday, December 16, 2011
