Moving the commander-in-chief from one location to another is a complex and expensive undertaking, especially when the president is in the midst of a reelection campaign. President Joe Biden’s recent three-day visit to Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the 2024 election, offers a glimpse into the logistics and costs involved in presidential travel.
The White House utilizes Sikorsky helicopters designated as Marine One for presidential transport, as well as customized Boeing 747s known as Air Force One. The operating costs for Marine One range from $16,700 to $20,000 per hour, while Air Force One carries a heftier price tag of approximately $200,000 per hour, according to Pentagon data.
These figures, however, only represent a fraction of the overall expenses. Additional military cargo planes accompany the president to ensure the availability of armored limousines at each destination. Extensive security measures also follow the president at all times.
With the current fleet of aircraft aging, new models are in development. Sikorsky is constructing 23 upgraded helicopters for Marine One, while Boeing is building two new Air Force One planes, scheduled for completion by 2028. The Pentagon states that the updated aircraft will feature advanced capabilities, including mission communication systems, self-defense systems, and autonomous baggage loading.
During political trips, the president’s campaign is expected to cover the costs of travel. However, the distinction between official duties and campaign events can be ambiguous during election years.
For instance, during Biden’s recent official event in Pittsburgh, where he announced proposed tariffs on Chinese steel imports, the president also took the opportunity to engage with union members crucial to his reelection bid and made subtle jabs at former President Donald Trump.
The White House counsel’s office is responsible for determining the percentage of presidential travel that is campaign-related, which in turn dictates how much the federal government should be reimbursed by the Biden campaign. These calculations can be complex, especially when the White House incorporates official events into otherwise political trips.
Norm Eisen, a White House ethics lawyer during President Barack Obama’s administration, notes that both Republicans and Democrats have generally adhered to established regulations regarding travel expenses.
Despite efforts to recoup costs, taxpayers ultimately bear a substantial portion of the expenses. Campaigns only cover the costs of Air Force One passengers traveling for explicitly political purposes, akin to purchasing a ticket on an exclusive private jet.
Biden’s campaign and joint fundraising committee have amassed travel funds in an escrow account managed by the Democratic National Committee. From January 2023 to the end of April, they deposited nearly $6.5 million. These funds are allocated for general campaign logistics, staff expenses, and reimbursing the federal government for official aircraft used by the president and his family during campaign-related trips.
To date, only a small amount, $300,000, has been reimbursed to the U.S. Treasury. Once the campaign concludes, Biden’s team is likely to pay significantly more. In the 2020 election, Trump’s campaign reimbursed the federal government approximately $4.7 million for travel expenses. Given Biden’s campaign’s robust financial position, with over $192 million in cash on hand at the end of March, covering these costs should not pose a significant challenge.
