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Michelle Obama’s trip to Ireland cost taxpayers over $7.9 million

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First lady Michelle Obama’s short trip to Ireland cost taxpayers well over $7.9 million, according to documents released Wednesday.

Air Force documents obtained via a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act lawsuit reveal that Michelle Obama, the first daughters and their entourage cost taxpayers $7,670,476.80 in flights to, from and around Ireland during their June 17-19 trip in 2013.

Documents from the Department of Homeland Security obtained by the government watchdog via the January 13, 2014 lawsuit further revealed that the total cost for “security and/or other services” for a side trip to Dublin by Michelle Obama and her entourage was $251,161.86. That total included $55,004.85 spent at the Shelbourne Hotel and $70,855.44 at the Westbury Hotel.

The documents reveal that taxpayers spent a total of at least $7,921,638.66 on the first lady’s trip. She departed for the Dublin tour on Air Force Two after accompanying the president on a meeting with Northern Ireland youth.

The most recent travel revelation comes on the heels of a release of additional documents revealing the $1,164,268.60 in flight expenses for the first family’s vacation to Martha’s Vineyard in 2013, the $8,104,224 in flight expenses for their 2013 official trip to Africa and $7,781,361.30 for their 2013-2014 Christmas vacation to Honolulu.

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