On Monday, the Democratic National Committee announced its intention to repay the federal government for the expenses of First Lady Jill Biden’s flights to and from Paris to attend her son Hunter Biden’s federal trial. However, the majority of the expenses will ultimately be borne by taxpayers.
According to CBS News, a spokesperson for the DNC has confirmed that the party will cover the expenses for first class travel for the first lady. This is consistent with the way that the DNC and the Biden campaign have previously divided the costs of flights for President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and their respective spouses. Specifically, this applies to instances when they travel on government aircraft for a combination of official and political events.
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The Pentagon-issued cost estimates are used by the White House Military Office to determine the reimbursement rates. It’s worth noting that First Ladies usually opt for smaller Boeing jets as compared to the presidential travel 747 model. Based on the Pentagon’s calculations, the reimbursement rate for the flights taken by the First Lady could be as high as $15,000.
Although the Democratic National Committee (DNC) intends to repay the government for the seats occupied by the first lady during her flights, the expenses associated with the Air Force flight crew, Secret Service agents, and additional support staff are primarily borne by taxpayers. The exact amount incurred, which is typically not revealed by the Pentagon, can easily run into six figures, contingent upon the aircraft utilized and the number of personnel aboard.
According to a report by the Daily Mail on Monday, the first lady’s office confirmed the reimbursement plans for flights to Wilmington and back to Paris. They stated that these plans are in accordance with the relevant regulations used by previous administrations and that the government will be reimbursed the value of a first-class fare for these flights.
Despite multiple attempts to obtain a statement from the first lady’s office, there was no response as of Monday. The Biden reelection campaign directed CBS News to seek comment from the DNC instead.
Last week, the first lady’s travel itinerary was noteworthy as it involved an international destination. Although it is customary for the DNC and Republican National Committee to reimburse for government-paid flights to political events.
Last week, she attended the first day of jury selection and then embarked on a three-day journey to France, where she took part in the D-Day commemoration ceremonies in Normandy. Afterward, she returned to her family’s hometown to observe her granddaughter Naomi Biden testify in the Wilmington federal courthouse on Friday. The first lady then flew back to Paris by 6 a.m. local time on Saturday to attend a full day of events, which included a welcome ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, a tour of the art collection at the Louis Vuitton Foundation museum, and a state dinner at the Élysée Palace.
Due to security concerns, First Ladies are not able to fly commercially and are required to always travel with a full Secret Service detail.
This report was contributed to by David Martin.
