Timesdo. Miami, United States – The arrival of Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago has become a predictable event for Palm Beach County, but the cost to taxpayers is proving to be anything but routine. Every week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues a flight restriction notice, signaling the former president’s return to his luxurious Florida estate for another weekend of golf. The local sheriff, Ric Bradshaw, is once again tasked with the complex and costly logistics of securing the area, deploying helicopters, ground units, and marine patrols.
Trump’s frequent getaways since his January 20 inauguration have strained local resources, forcing county officials to allocate millions in security expenses. Bradshaw recently secured an urgent $45 million budget from the county commission to cover Trump’s visits through November, a figure expected to rise. «We’ve already heard indications that he may be spending more time here than in Washington,» he admitted, highlighting the growing financial burden.
At the federal level, Trump’s excursions have generated staggering expenses. His recent trips, including an appearance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans and the Daytona 500, have come at a high price. The hourly operation of Air Force One costs nearly $200,000, meaning each round trip to Palm Beach approaches $1 million when additional cargo flights and Marine One transport are factored in. A 2019 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report calculated that each of Trump’s four audited trips to Mar-a-Lago during his first term cost federal agencies an average of $13.6 million.
The financial impact is further compounded by the potential conflict of interest surrounding Trump’s business holdings. Watchdog groups like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) have criticized the situation, emphasizing that taxpayers’ money is flowing directly into a business that Trump still owns. «This isn’t just about travel expenses—it’s about a president financially benefiting from his office,» said Noah Bookbinder, CREW’s president. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, echoed similar concerns, noting the Secret Service had been overcharged to stay at Trump properties in the past.
Local residents are also feeling the effects, facing frequent road closures, increased security measures, and significant travel disruptions. Many are questioning why the former president does not spend more time in Washington instead of routinely flying south. A recent CBS12 investigation into the costs and inconveniences caused by Trump’s travel found growing frustration among taxpayers who are forced to foot the bill.
Despite expectations of eventual federal reimbursement, the financial and logistical strain continues to mount. Meanwhile, Trump shows no signs of altering his travel patterns, ensuring that Palm Beach County remains on high alert—and taxpayers continue to bear the cost.