In times of financial duress, one might ponder upon the whereabouts of innovators such as Elon Musk. This may arise from an understanding of Musk’s philosophy of decreasing waste and the removal of non-performers. It’s difficult not to draw attention to what seems like a significant example of waste, attributed to none other than President Donald Trump. Trump’s scheduled visit to Scotland, a trip costing a stunning $10 million, all billed to the citizens of the country, seems to question his financial prudence.
This visit to Scotland is not just about international diplomacy. It’s a platform for the President to publicize his golf resort located in Aberdeen, and his additional resort in Turnberry. As part of the itinerary, there’s also an appearance at the inauguration of a new 18-hole course in the vicinity. With the bill footed by the taxpayer, questions arise about the propriety of using such visits for personal gain.
Trump’s love for golf isn’t unknown, but it comes with a hefty price tag. His initial term saw him embark on several golf vacations, primarily at his own establishments, with an extravagant cost tallying up to around $152 million. A cost borne, yet again, by the citizens of the country.
In his ongoing term, the golfing expeditions have shown no signs of abatement. The running tab for these golfing sojourns has already reached an estimated $52 million. Once again, the common citizens are left to shoulder the expenses for these extravaganzas, raising more eyebrows and serious questions.
And it’s not solely about the cost of Trump’s golf obsession. The expense covers a lot more than just green fees or golf cart rentals. Items like accommodating the special security service detail apart from any additional personnel involved in the visit swell the expenses even further.
Shocking as this may seem, the numbers quoted above do not include all expenses afforded by the President’s tenure. Additional indulgences such as trips to mega-sporting events like the Super Bowl add millions more to an already substantial sum. Expenses that every taxpayer is burdened with.
While excessive expenditures proceed unhindered, federal employment has seen a rapid contraction. A plethora of much-needed job positions have been emptied, while the President’s expenditures remain unchecked. The skewed approach towards budget allocation is a surprising departure from expected conservative values.
The post Musk and Trump: A Tale of Two Spending Philosophies appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
