Friday, February 14, 2025
On Feb 14, 2025, Trump’s White House–to–Mar-a-Lago flight cost U.S. taxpayers ~$847,000, covering Air Force One, security, Palm Beach police, motorcade, and federal logistics.
ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN
VC-25A (Air Force One) Flight: Joint Base Andrews (D.C.) to Palm Beach Intl
2.08 flight hours at $177,843/hr, based on D.C.–Palm Beach typical leg duration (~2h05–2h10) as per GCMAP and Cost Benchmarks. No international or support uplift on this domestic flight per cost appendix (NTU/GAO/Comptroller).
Secret Service & Federal Security (peak off-site)
Secret Service provides full-day coverage in Palm Beach as President transitions to off-site status. $300k/day per GAO-19-178, Frankel.gov, and 2025 incident reporting.
Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Palm Beach County)
Palm Beach County Sheriff and municipal police provide presidential perimeter and crowd security. Confirmed $60k/day in multiple FOIA and House Oversight reports (Frankel.gov, GAO, Finance Monthly).
Motorcade and Ground Transport (Palm Beach International–Mar-a-Lago)
Full presidential motorcade, $6k for short local movement (Finance Monthly, press, and federal cost guides).
Incidentals (logistics, support, meals)
Federal spending for extra logistics, support services, and unitemized incidentals, capped at 15% of subtotal travel and security.