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 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."
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.
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”.
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.