Jill Biden slammed as DNC to foot part of $345K Delaware to France roundtrips with taxpayers paying rest

WASHINGTON, DC: The majority of the expenses for Jill Biden's frequent flights between Wilmington, Delaware, and France, to be present during her son Hunter Biden's federal gun trial, are expected to be covered by taxpayers’ money.

Per Daily Mail, the estimated flight costs incurred by the first lady amounted to $345,400, as stated by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation.

She traveled separately from her husband, President Joe Biden, to support her family at home and to represent the United States abroad, with the government expected to be reimbursed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for a portion of the expenses.

“In accordance with relevant regulations utilized across administrations, the government is reimbursed the value of a first-class fare for these flights to Wilmington and back to Paris,” Jill Biden's office said in a statement to the aforementioned outlet.

According to a White House official, the Democratic National Committee — which receives funding from donors — will be the organization responsible for providing the reimbursement.

Nonetheless, the specific dollar amount being reimbursed and the party responsible for the expenses of the aides accompanying the first lady have not been disclosed.

What prompted Jill Biden to take the roundtrip flights?

Jill Biden undertook an extensive trip, spending a total of 24 hours on an airplane over the course of three days to be present for her son and her husband, dividing her time between four days at the Delaware courthouse and three days in France.

Upon returning, she was back at the J Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington on Monday.

The White House Military Office is responsible for determining the final ticket charge and managing billing.

For individuals not traveling on government business, such as members of the media, the office typically applies the cost of a first-class fee.

First ladies generally travel on a Boeing C-32 aircraft, with the Air Force listing the reimbursable rate for this aircraft at $13,816 per hour, as reported by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, which analyses official government travel, including the hourly rate for operating Air Force One.

According to TravelMath.com, a flight from Paris to Wilmington, Delaware, takes 8 hours, translating to a cost of $110,528 for each leg of the journey.

Factoring in the three flights between France and Wilmington, as well as Jill Biden's one-hour flight from Washington DC to Wilmington on Tuesday, the total cost amounts to around $345,400.

As a first lady, Jill Biden is unable to opt for commercial flights due to security requirements. Her travel is accompanied by a Secret Service detail, several aides, and logistical support staff at all times.

She dedicated substantial air time to stand by her son, Hunter Biden, during his defense against federal gun charges and then accompanied her spouse as he paid tribute to D-Day veterans on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

On Tuesday evening, the first lady departed for Wilmington, with the POTUS escorting her to the aircraft at Joint Base Andrews before proceeding to Paris aboard Air Force One.

On Wednesday, Jill Biden appeared in court and later traveled to France that same night. She participated in D-Day commemorations in Normandy on Thursday and subsequently returned to Wilmington to attend court proceedings on Friday.

Following this, she flew back to France on Friday night, arriving early Saturday morning for the official state visit.

During her time there, she engaged in an event with French first lady Brigitte Macron on Saturday and attended a state dinner with the president.

She departed for the United States alongside the Commander-in-Chief on Air Force One on Sunday.

Nevertheless, inquiries emerged regarding the extensive nature of the first lady's travels.

Demian Brady, the vice president of Research for the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, said, “The White House should be more transparent about these costs so taxpayers aren't taken for a ride.”

David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, remarked, “While I appreciate that the first lady wants to support her son during this difficult trial, travel to the trial should be a personal, not a taxpayer expense.”

Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for the first lady, told CNN, “She's his mother, and he's on trial, so of course she wants to be there as much as humanly possible.”

“It's something that a lot of parents, and maybe mothers especially feel, that when your children need you, it doesn't matter how old they get, they're always your children and you always want to be there to support them,” she stated.

Internet slams Jill Biden over her roundtrips from Delaware to France

One X user remarked, "100% a personal expense that should be reimbursed to the Federal Govt."

Another user said, "Was not a government related trip! She must repay the American people for her jet setting!!!"

Another user wrote, "Jill the dutiful wife and stepmother of a son who totally disrespected her."

One user claimed, "They don’t care because we don’t matter to them. Free stuff on taxpayers dime."

Another X user argued, "How is that our bill? Hunter didn't get elected to anything."

Finally, this user tweeted, "They are useless. Taxpayers don’t need to front the bill for these worthless corrupt abusers of power."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.