Author John Groom’s latest enterprise, 'The 1.4 Billion Dollar Man: Costs of the Obama White House,' breaks down what it is costing us taxpayers to maintain the presidency and the White House.  

According to Groom’s book here is how the $1.4 billion cost breaks down:

• President’s salary and allowance: $450,000
• White House building operating expenses: $14,658,000
• White House Grounds: $6,057,000
• Vacations: $20,000,000
• Health care for the first family, including traveling medical staff and equipment: $7,000,000
• Campaign expenses not reimbursed to government: $311,000,000
• White House staff: $7,985,420
• Office of Administration budget: $14,481,000
• Special missions including White House Communications Agency: $161,252,000
• Military salary costs: $153,441,360
• Salary costs for presidential airlift squadron: $75,000,000
• Presidential plane fleet: $44,000,000
• Presidential helicopter fleet: $300,000,000
• Ground transportation: $2,200,000
• Transportation total: $346,200,000
• Secret Service: $259,152,884

In his book, Groom concludes:

“We need to return to the idea of the president as first citizen – a very important person, but not a deity.  He and his administration should run their lives as examples to the nation, with frugality and simplicity, at least until the huge institution they run, the United States government, returns to some degree of solvency. ????? ???? ?????

Read Complete Post at: