Michelle Obama’s ‘goodwill tour’ of Africa cost U.S. taxpayers up to $800,000

Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 7:17 AM on 28th June 2011

While her husband continues to battle a flagging economy at home, Michelle Obama's 'goodwill tour' of Africa cost taxpayers an estimated $800,000, it has emerged.

According to Whitehousedossier.com the First Lady's trip to South Africa and Botswana last week will certainly cost well over half a million dollars and could be as much as $800,000.

The cost of local transportation, Secret Service protection, food for her family and staff members, the cost of firing up 'Air Force 2' not to mention the pre-trip preparations would all have contributed to the final amount.

Thanks for the memories: Michelle Obama waves as she boards her private plane after a week-long trip to Africa, which could have cost the taxpayer an estimated $800,000

Costly: Firing up Air Force 2 as it is sometimes known could cost in the region of $12,723 per hour meaning the cost of the plane for the whole trip could work out to be a cool $430,000

Mrs Obama said the trip would help 'youth leadership, education, health and wellness' in southern Africa, according to the White House.

All laudable goals. But with the news agenda endlessly dominated by the deficit, the raft of job loses and general economic misery, many may question why the money wasn't used closer to home.

While in Africa Mrs Obama, who also brought along her mother, daughters Malia and Sasha, and two of their cousins, enjoyed a meet up with Nelson Mandela, visits to historical landmarks and museums and a safari.

Play time: Mrs Obama, her daughters Sasha and Malia and her mother Marian Robinson enjoyed a safari in Madikwe Game Reserve during the trip

Visit: Mrs Obama also took her daughters to visit Nelson Mandela, which she called 'surreal'

According to Defence Department figures the DOD charges other federal agencies $12,723 per hour for the use of a C-32 plane, the same model as the one Mrs Obama was ferried about on during her trip.

When the distance travelled and flight speed of the plane are put together the cost of the plane could be as much as $430,000, according to the White House Dossier blog.

A military cargo plane usually goes with the First Lady on foreign trips in order to bring cars and other large items to the country.

This is how you get my arms: The First Lady also showed Archbishop Desmond Tutu, third from right, how to do push ups, during an HIV awareness campaign in Cape Town

Goals: Mrs Obama said the trip would help 'youth leadership, education, health and wellness' in southern Africa, according to the White House

If Mrs Obama had been accompanied by a military plane it could easily add on another $200,000 to the cost, based on Defence Department rates.

Mrs Obama’s office did not respond to the blog's request for comment.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2008936/Michelle-Obama-s-goodwill-tour-Africa-cost-taxpayers-800-000.html#ixzz1QaEIgV35