Trump’s Vacation Splurge Sparks Outrage Amid His Critique of “Non-Working” Holidays
As Donald Trump lashes out against “non-working holidays” and their alleged toll on the economy, the staggering price tag of his own luxury vacations has come under fresh scrutiny — exposing a glaring hypocrisy.
Lavish Escapes at Taxpayer Expense
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has made multiple trips to his famed Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, turning weekends into high-cost retreats filled with golf rounds and relaxation. By March alone, he had visited the waterfront mansion six times — each visit carrying a jaw-dropping financial burden on the public.
The Hidden Price of Presidential Playtime
These are not simple getaways. Behind the scenes, each trip involves a sprawling operation that drains millions in public resources, including:
- Air Force One flights
- Additional cargo jets and motorcades
- Extra Secret Service agents
- Local Palm Beach law enforcement overtime and support
Palm Beach authorities have deployed helicopters and increased ground personnel to ensure the safety of Trump, his family, and entourage — costing taxpayers millions in overtime pay and security logistics.
Nearly $30 Million—and Rising
By late March, reports showed Trump’s travel expenses had already hit roughly $26 million. Just weeks later, that number soared close to $30 million. According to a 2022 Air Force analysis, a single two-hour Air Force One flight from Washington, D.C. to Palm Beach can cost around $1 million alone.
The Height of Irony
Amid this mounting tab, Trump took to social media to condemn American businesses for too many “non-working holidays,” warning the country faced “BILLIONS OF DOLLARS” in losses due to closures and calling for fewer holidays for workers.
Critics were quick to highlight the stark contrast between his rhetoric and his extravagant lifestyle.
Lawmakers Strike Back
Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett confronted the president during an April subcommittee hearing:
“As of March 30, Trump’s golfing has cost us approximately $26 million. And what are we getting in return?”
She noted a single luxury golf weekend can cost as much as $3.4 million, with one trip peaking at $4.2 million after added helicopter transport from Miami.
Past Expenses Still Loom Large
The Government Accountability Office previously estimated Trump’s Mar-a-Lago weekends during his first term cost taxpayers around $13.6 million each — excluding $240,000 in overtime for Palm Beach County deputies.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed the heavy burden:
“They request it, and we provide it. It’s expensive, but we don’t really have a choice.”
Last November, county officials approved an urgent $45 million request to cover security costs linked to Trump’s stays — with Bradshaw warning these expenses are expected to climb.
“We’ve heard he may be spending more time here than in Washington,” he said. “Hosting world leaders here is a major shift that will drive costs even higher.”