Who exactly pays for a presidential vacation? I assume US tax payers pay for all of the security surrounding the first family and the presidential staff, but does the US government end up paying for everything since the President is technically on-duty 24 X 7?
I think the only time we don’t pay for everything is when the President is actively campaigning, and his campaign ends up paying for those trips.
I heard recently that the 1st Family pays out of pocket for household items. (toiletries and food, etc.)
Yes, they pay for their own food, personal entertaining, and I believe personal staff. The first White House food bill is often quite a sticker shock to families used to shopping through normal channels.
The President also reimburses the gov’t the cost of a first class plane ticket when he uses Air Force 1 for personal use (and campaigning).
Campaigning part is normally paid for by the President’s campaign committee. Joint events are split between the various beneficiaries.
For example, suppose the President flies in AS1 to Des Moines, Iowa. His agenda includes:
[ol]
[li]speech on farm policy to the Iowa Farmers Union convention.[/li][li]big buck private fundraiser party at somebody’s house for Sen. Harkin’s re-election campaign.[/li][li]public rally & fundraiser at a stadium for the Iowa Democratic party.[/li][li]visit to the University at Ames, Iowa research facilities and a speech about the importance of research to the national economy.[/li][li]bib-buck private reception for donors to the Obama campaign committee.[/li][/ol]
Costs for this trip would be split between 4 groups:
Joint trips like this are common now, since it reduces costs for everybody, and makes efficient use of the President’s time.