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taxpayers trumped

American public has paid at least £9million for three trips by Donald Trump to his Florida holiday home

Critics say his rising bills after four weeks as President almost equate to one year’s spending in office by his predecessor Barack Obama

US taxpayers have forked out more than £9 million to cover new president Donald Trump’s three trips to his Florida holiday home.

The cost covers secret service agents and additional security at his Mar-a-Lago home at Palm Beach and two business trips by his son Eric to Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

 Critics say his rising bills after four weeks as President almost equate to one year’s spending in office by his predecessor Barack Obama
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Critics say his rising bills after four weeks as President almost equate to one year’s spending in office by his predecessor Barack ObamaCredit: Getty Images
 US taxpayers have forked out more than £9 million to cover new president Donald Trump’s three trips to his Florida holiday home
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US taxpayers have forked out more than £9 million to cover new president Donald Trump’s three trips to his Florida holiday homeCredit: Getty Images

Critics say the spiralling expense after just four weeks in office are almost as much as what former president Barack Obama spent in a year.

Tom Fitton, from pressure group Judicial Watch, said:’’This is an expensive way to conduct business, and the President should recognise that.

"The unique thing about President Trump is that he knows what it costs to run a plane. Going down to Mar-a-Lago ain’t free."

 The Trumps have spent holidays at Mar-a-lago
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The Trumps have spent holidays at Mar-a-lagoCredit: Getty Images
 The cost covers secret service agents and additional security at his Mar-a-Lago home at Palm Beach
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The cost covers secret service agents and additional security at his Mar-a-Lago home at Palm BeachCredit: Getty Images

In 2012 Trump tweeted criticism of Obama’s holiday spending on taxpayers slamming it as ‘’unbelievable’’.

It also emerged yesterday Trump’s new labour secretary Alexander Acosta could face a Senate grilling over suggestions that while a Florida prosecutor he cut a deal for a former billionaire pal of Prince Andrew in an under age sex scandal.

 President Donald Trump sits down to dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach
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President Donald Trump sits down to dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm BeachCredit: Getty Images
 Melania attends a Trump Invitational Grand at The Mar-a-Largo Club on January 4, 2015
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Melania attends a Trump Invitational Grand at The Mar-a-Largo Club on January 4, 2015Credit: Getty Images
 The Trumps and Abes outside Trump's Mar-a-Lago private members' club
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The Trumps and Abes outside Trump's Mar-a-Lago private members' clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Melania Trump and Donald as they sit together at a table during the 16th annual 'Lady in Red' gala in 2009
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Melania Trump and Donald as they sit together at a table during the 16th annual 'Lady in Red' gala in 2009Credit: Getty Images

Acosta agreed not to file federal charges against Jeffrey Epstein, if he pleaded guilty to state charges involving soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Epstein was eventually sentenced to just 18 months jail and was out in 13 - much to the fury of victims in the case and the two women have now filed a law suit against the government which is still outstanding.

Last night his vice-president pledged the US “will stand with Europe”.

 The 58-bedroom Mar-a-Lago is surely enough room to fit him, his wife Melania and their son for the holidays
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The 58-bedroom Mar-a-Lago is surely enough room to fit him, his wife Melania and their son for the holidaysCredit: Splash News

Mike Pence’s promise at the Munich security conference came after Mr Trump vowed “unwavering commitment” to Nato.

Mr Pence reinforced the US call for more defence spending by Nato allies.

He later met U2’s Bono, who praised his help on Aids drugs for Africa.

 A diner leans in to kiss Trump on the cheek at the Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach
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A diner leans in to kiss Trump on the cheek at the Mar-a-Lago in Palm BeachCredit: Facebook
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