Donald Trump’s Boeing 757 is an impressive airplane despite being smaller than Air Force One. The ex-president parked it for four years while he accessed the plane’s big brother, but just after the January 6, 2021, insurrection, Trump had it returned to service. It now whisks him to and from campaign rallies, between Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, and to criminal arraignments.
While I was watching Trump’s arrival last week in Washington, I wondered, who is paying for the plane? It costs around $18,000 to fly a Boeing 757 for an hour. The annual cost to own a 757 is estimated at $6.9 million. That is a lot of money, but Trump is a self-identified billionaire.
Is he charging part or all his transportation costs to his presidential campaign? A review of the most recent filing of the disclosure statement for his Save America PAC did not show charges for “Trump One,” but Trump has several PACs. (His Save America PAC did show millions of dollars in fees paid to several law firms and individual lawyers.)
Call me a cynic, but I doubt Trump is paying for the cost of his trips to various cities for indictments. Let’s assume he is not. What about the cost for the Secret Service agents who accompany him? Not only are the salaries of the agents (appropriately for a former president) paid by taxpayers, but Trump also is likely billing the government for their transportation to Washington. That rubs me the wrong way.
And while Trump isn’t much concerned about climate change. I am. His plane burns 5800 pounds of jet fuel per hour. Trump is a big man, but his carbon footprint is even bigger.
Worse than Trump’s contribution to destruction of the planet is the stupidity of Trump supporters in donating to Political Action Committees used (abused) to pay what otherwise would be personal expenses. If Trump were not a billionaire who once viciously attacked Forbes magazine for underestimating his wealth, it might be understandable. But a Boeing 757 and a brigade of lawyers?
Many of Trump’s supporters cannot afford to fly coach class on commercial airlines, but their leader chooses to fly in a make-believe Air Force One. And they go to rallies to hear Trump call Jack Smith deranged.
It is surprising that Trump’s followers put up with his passing on costs for his criminal defense. It is one thing to believe Trump is being charged with crimes unfairly. It is another to believe, as Trump asks his supporters, to believe that he has been indicted for them. That is why he said, “It is an honor to be indicted.”
In coming months, as prosecutions of Trump progress to the trial stage, Republicans will claim to calculate federal and state cost of the investigations and trials against him. They will express outrage over taxpayer’s money being wasted. But they will be silent on the question of whether the former president should be held accountable if he broke the law.
The Trump Insurrection will be recorded in history as a national tragedy, worse than Watergate. Part of the story is Trump using campaign funds to pay for his criminal defense and, I suspect, “Trump One.”
Although I shake my head in disgust over Trump’s antics, maybe Trump is right to let contributors pay for his legal defense and associated costs. As his legal woes worsen, Trump’s popularity among Republicans increases. He told a gathering in Alabama, “Any time they file an indictment, we go up in the polls. We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment, and this election is closed out. Nobody has even a chance.”
If Trump is right that getting indicted on more than 40 felony counts is helping him win the Republican presidential nomination, maybe charging his lawyers and the cost of “Trump One” to his campaign is legitimate.
One last question: Why would anyone support a presidential nominee who might face jail time for felonies that threaten the cornerstones of our democracy?
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, and other subjects.
Karen Simpson says
Our sitting President is sending BILLIONS of dollars of taxpayer money to Ukraine, and we know for a fact that his son was paid millions of dollars by Burisma, the notorious Ukrainian energy company. The America people understand and for the most part accept the DC grift – everyone takes their 10%.
But pulling us into a foreign conflict with this level of corruption is too far. Trump calls it out. That’s why people will still support him.
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece. I’m not sure how to respond to your allegations against President Biden. I will say that Biden’s opposition to Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine had nothing to do with anything his son may have done.
I will also tell you that in DC, everyone doesn’t take their 10%. I know of many honest Members of Congress and public servants who are 100% honest. Also, I would suggest that while Trump was in town as President, he took more than 10%.
L Baker says
Mr. Dean, that last question I would also pose to you? Have you been watching the Hunter/Joe Biden show with their collusion with China and Ukraine? He was using our tax dollars to blackmail Ukraine to fire the state official investigating his son. I’ve seen Biden stating this on video. “I’m leaving in 6 hrs, either he is fired or you’re not getting your money”.
Why don’t you talk about that?
And as far as these little shenanigans Joe’s DOJ is using against President Trump, they will amount to nothing. Because they are nothing. And yes, one more indictment is coming, watch a state in the south.
Regarding Trumps travels and Secret Service, a person in his capacity is allowed to have those covered. That’s all I’ll say.
Please read EO 13848 he signed on September 12, 2018. I don’t believe things will go as you hope. January 6th indictment may open up Pandora’s box to what really happened.
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece.
I appreciate your interest in Hunter Biden, but that case is not the subject of the article.
I am also aware of the rules for covering transportation and staff for former presidents. My point is that it is troubling that we have government employees being paid to accompany Trump as he defends himself against 47 felony counts (with more to come shortly). I did not suggest the trip was illegal but rather commented it was disturbing.
If you know of anything that exonerates Trump from wrongdoing associated with January 6, I would suggest you forward it to Trump’s lawyers or The Washington Post. I would also welcome being convinced Trump did not try to steal the 2020 election and remain in office by force.
L Baker says
Mr Dean, Let me clarify. Trump did not ‘try” to steal the 2020 election, it was stolen from him. Keep your eyes on this January 6th indictment and the next indictment to come. All about the 2020 election.
Steve Shimko says
Gotta wonder where you get your information from. On second thought, I really don’t have to wonder – I think it’s obvious.
Lets look at some of the “facts”.
Trump lost the election by 7.4 million votes.
There were over 63 lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election, and Trump and his team lost every one of them.
Fox News was sued by Dominion Voting Machines because of unfounded allegations that their voting machines somehow switched votes. Fox lost that one, big time, to the tune of $787 million.
And this is just for starters.
So, show us the evidence, any evidence, that Trump won the 2020 election.
Nicolo F. Tartaglia says
How did we end up down this rabbit-hole? I thought this was an article about Trump One and his several open-and-shut indictments. Either way, how could you possibly hold such a view? Let’s review the facts:
The 2020 election was a complete blow-out for Biden and a clear rejection of Trump. Even though it was closer than 2016, it wasn’t close at all. Let’s say Trump picked up the right mix of 42,921 votes in Arizona (10,457), Georgia (11,779), and Wisconsin (20,682), the Electoral College would have been tied at 269. You call that close? If so, it must be “gas lighting” as my friends on MSNBC say.
I know you are going to complain about changes to the voting rules and procedures in several states including these, but you are forgetting that we were in the middle of a super deadly pandemic. Even though masks were highly effective, in person voting would have created a wave that would have overwhelmed our emergency rooms. (I personally wore several masks simultaneously everywhere I went and I only got COVID twice, so don’t tell me it wasn’t effective). Even though the media did a great job of keeping us all calm and measured during this time, the popular fear alone justified the clear need to vastly expand mail in voting and change all the deadlines. What else were we going to do? Suppress voters? (Granted, there has been recent reporting from the New York Times that COVID deaths were over-classified by at least 30% but that is besides the point.)
And don’t bring up that nonsense about social media “censoring” the laptop story. First of all, look at the numbers, do you think they could have made a difference? Come on, most people voted already! That’s one of the many reasons why mail in voting is such an unalloyed good! Also, the FBI has every right to “flag” the story as misinformation. I mean they actually physically had the laptop after all, so they would know, right? Why does everyone keep questioning the FBI? It is a mystery to me. And, who reads fringe publications like the New York Post anyway? (Except page six and the excellent sports coverage.)
So even *if* you see these things as having the election “stolen” it was “stolen” fair and square. Feeling as if *your* vote was somehow suppressed is completely unreasonable, thus giving others every right to disparage your character and intelligence. Our Democracy would be much better off if Trump followed the examples of Ms. Clinton and Mr. Gore and bowed out cheerfully. Show me evidence to the contrary.
Barbara Denton says
Your satire is superb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robert Sommerlatte says
Deflection is an interesting way to not address the case before you. But nonetheless we have for some time been watching claims of Biden impropriety. Biden’s work in Ukraine was extensively reviewed in the first Trump Impeachment, where all his activities were found to be in concert with the Administration’s position. He also was supported on the ground by the US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch who was aggressively pursuing corruption there in support of the Administration’s position. Trump’s position in response to her work, which did not support his theory, was in his words to “take her out.” Recall also that Rudy and Bill traveled extensively to Ukraine to obtain evidence of criminality. They were unable to find anything in support of their theory of the case. Current sham Congressional hearings are faring no better. In another blow to House Oversight Chair James Comer’s (R-Ky.) probe into the Bidens and Ukraine, former Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas wrote a scorching letter claiming there is “simply no merit” for the investigation. Recall Mr. Parnas was helping Rudy get the dirt and came up empty-handed. Trump will be convicted, to a large extent, on his own words confessing to the crimes he committed. We saw this in the E. Jean Carrol rape case against Trump where the jury found him guilty as charged. Trump’s own confessional words assured the jury’s verdict. Somehow the alternative facts people continue to advance innuendo over reality. Courts seem to bring out reality. As Rudy said to the judge, “We have a lot of theories but no facts.”
Nicolo F. Tartaglia says
Exactly. This is an article about Mr. Trump’s plane, how he pays for it and the impact on climate change. It’s not about Biden’s exemplary foreign policy.
I also think the Congress in the first impeachment so thoroughly investigated Biden’s dealing in the Ukraine that matter should have been closed a long time ago. Thank God the Democrats were in charge of the Senate and House at the time.
I would go a step further, Les Parnas is a human being of impeccable character. What he was doing hanging around Trump and Giuliani is beyond me. I also believe anyone who questions the motivations of the patriotic intelligence officials who blew the whistle in the first impeachment case is a first rate quack. After all, it was intelligence officials who wrote that helpful letter in 2020 pointing out that Hunter’s laptop had all the earmarks of Russian disinformation. Without them, who knows what state of affairs between Russia and the Ukraine would exist today? They would probably be in a bigger war or something.
Also, I know you weren’t deflecting when bringing up E. Jean Carrol. Jean was an incredible witness. However, since you did I would like to add that there is zero chance that case ends up in appeal. Anyone who thinks otherwise, is unhinged and living in an alternate reality.
I for one, think all of is this is super healthy for our legal system. For a long time I questioned restraint applied by plaintiffs’ attorneys and prosecutors. Maybe I will be proven correct someday.
The whole question of the Bidens, Barisma and Ukraine *is* about alternative facts and suspended reality as you point out. Joe’s own words prove it. Hunter is the “smartest guy he knows” that’s why he was on the board of Barisma. As he said in 2019: “First of all, I have never discussed with my son or my brother or anyone else anything having to do with their business, period.” See that? He said: “Period.” Case closed. Go back to reality Trumpers!
Barbara Denton says
The satire in this piece is exquisite. Any one who has been following all the things the left has been trying to do to Donald Trump will see in a NY minute the tongue in cheek response Nicolo gave us. BRAVO!
John Dean says
Thank you for your comment. Several of the Spy readers that commented on my piece should read it. Lots of substantive information.
John Fischer says
I share your incredulity, Mr. Dean, that anyone could bring themself to vote for Mr. Trump. However, many Americans will do so when faced with their other choice, a crooked, senile old man with a flyweight as a running mate.
John Dean says
As you might guess, I disagree with your characterization of President Biden and VP Harris, but I agree that some voters will vote for Trump as a way of voting against Biden. To that, I would add, “tragically.”
darrell parsons says
I’m grateful that Biden is President. I’d like to see the proof of the allegations made in the previous letters to the editor. Biden is neither crooked nor senile. And his running mate is a woman of considerable skill and presence.
John Dean says
I am also grateful that Biden is president. I’m tired of the allegations that he is senile and “crooked.”
I watched Trump’s recent New Hampshire event–there one where he sweated profusely and claimed the temperature was 105 degrees. Trump doesn’t seem well. It’s ironic that anyone familiar with Trump would suggest that Biden is senile or crooked. Trump has been indicted on 47 felony counts, but that doesn’t seem to matter to his supporters.
Thank you for reading the piece and for your comment.
Wilson Dean says
People who prefer authoritarian leaders (such as Trump) like them because they tell supporters what they want to hear, not what is necessarily true. This is a familiar pattern that has characterized many countries adoration with these figures, including Hitler’s Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, even Bolsanaro’s Brazil. This pattern was made evident when recent litigation involving Fox News revealed the network deliberately lied to its viewers, knowing that Trump had legitimately lost the 2020 election but was willing to continue its promotion of conspiracy theories because it knew Trump supporters were not mature enough to deal with the truth. Besides, there were several more networks more dedicated to the election denier theory than Fox, so Fox had to continue its fake news so as not to lose its audience.
So is it surprising that Trump supporters stick with him—even after it has been revealed to them that his election conspiracy claims are a huge joke on them–would not be upset he is using their donations to pay his lawyers and fly around the country to face criminal charges?
John Dean says
Thank you for your comment. I fully agree.
Nicolo F. Tartaglia says
I also fully agree with your comment. The contrasting moral courage of President Biden provides an excellent counter example. In his 2022 Independence Hall speech he famously said: “…there is no question that the Republican Party today is dominated, driven, and intimidated by Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans, and that is a threat to this country. These are hard things. But I’m an American President — not the President of red America or blue America, but of all America.” Hard things indeed. Despite the call for unity, I am willing to bet a good chunk of his supports didn’t want to hear that.
Also, it is clear to me that ever since he descended that golden escalator in Trump Tower he represented a clear authoritarian danger. Don’t let his buffoonery and tendency to surround himself with incompetent clowns fool you. This is a man of serious cunning. As you point out, he was following the familiar patterns of some of the worst authoritarians of the 20th century. Unlike the perennial outsider, Ms. Clinton, Trump had the unwavering support of the beltway establishment, the media and the intellectual elites. Not to mention the surveillance state (CIA) and the federal police (FBI) were in his pocket. Mr. Comey and Mr. Brennan wrote entire books to that effect. It was scary stuff. I do not want to speculate, but perhaps that’s why the FBI refuses to answer the question as to how many agents they had present at January 6th? A date, which I do agree, is a stain on the history of Our Great Nation.
Yes, indeed, a joke is being played. I’m just not sure I find it particularly funny. Clearly, you do not either.
With regard to your lawsuit point, it is a good one. Even though the Fox settlement wasn’t adjudicated, I do agree it complete settles the matter completely.
Joanne Harwood says
Yes, I will call you a cynic. I think you forgot to mention, talking of money and expenses…. President Trump donated at least $1,400,000 of his $1,600,000 Presidential salary to various federal agencies, starting with the National Park Service. Google it or check it out on Forbes.
Talking of voting… why would anyone in their right mind vote for a President or party who encourages open borders and now has our cities such as NYC, scrambling for federal funds to house the thousands of homeless people who have settled in their cities. And that’s to say nothing of the border states who are taking the brunt of this ridiculous policy. Biden and the Democrats are ruining our country with their wokeness as well and putting our schools and military in harm’s way through politics.
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece, despite your disagreement with my disgust with Trump charging the cost of his defense to his Political Action Committee. I feel sorry for the people who contributed who thought they were supporting an election campaign.
I will not comment on your opposition to President Biden. The article wasn’t about Biden or his policies. I will say that I find it inconceivable that some voters, fortunately, a declining number, are ready to vote for someone who may be a convicted felon by election day.
Steve Shimko says
While I appreciate the fact that Trump donated his salary to various government agencies, he more than made up for that through:
1) Income from his Hotel in DC, much of which came from entities trying to curry favor with Trump (in violation of the emoluments clause).
2) Income received from the Secret Service to pay rack rates for their agents to stay at Trump properties and rent Trump Club golf carts.
3) The floor(s) of Trump Towers that was rented to bone saw MSB (leadere of Saudi Arabia).
Nicolo F. Tartaglia says
Once again, I have to agree with the indispensable logic of Mr. Dean.
I think it is idiotic that Trump supporters would actually *support* Trump, because we all know that the Orange Menace is no match for the pure-minded intentions of the Democrats. The Democratic Party is, after all, the eternal defender of Democracy. Just like the US Women’s National Team is the eternal defender of soccer. That’s why they are called “Democrats,” right? And, it’s not just clever a marketing ploy like the adorable donkey. In the 1820s they actually referred to themselves as “The Democracy!” Although, I bet one of those historically ignorant Trump supporters would probably make the silly argument that the 1800s were a pretty awkward time for a party calling themselves “Democrats.” Especially given they counted Chief Justice Taney as a member. Anyway, I digress…
As I had read the article carefully, I do understand your point. Call me a cynic, but if they are going to give money to someone who was indicted, it would make way more sense to follow VP Kamala Harris’ lead and give money to the Minnesota Freedom Fund that bailed out all those mostly-peaceful protestors during the mostly-peaceful Democratic protests of 2020. Am I right? BTW, did you read the Smith indictment? They it doesn’t even mention the word “peaceful”! People who make parallels to January 6th, would be well advised to go back and listen to his speech and try to find the word.
While I am at it, he should be required to fly Trump One back to Afghanistan on his own dime and pick up one of those we C-130s left there. His administration agreed to the pull-out after all, right? Maybe we can get it painted in prison stripes and he can fly that back and forth. Forbes can buy advertising on it to defray the cost of secret service protection. That will teach the thin-skinned monster!
Although I am not a Trump supporter (obviously), I cannot afford to fly coach anymore either. Despite the resounding success of Bidenomics, inflation has made air travel so expensive I wasn’t able to cross Cuba off my bucket list this year. (All the better as you say, Climate Change after all.)
That’s why my heart wells up with emotion every time I see Marine One fly over the blue skies of Talbot County. I know that Our President and his dedicated son are on their way to some much needed rest in Rehoboth. Can’t blame them, probably more CO2 if he drove “The Beast” given the summer traffic on 50. That’s why I don’t mind as a taxpayer. In fact, every time I see it fly overhead I give it a special patriotic salute.
As to your question: “Why would anyone support a presidential nominee who might face jail time for felonies that threaten the cornerstones of our democracy?” I have no idea. I can only speculate that they maybe they really do believe Trump was indicted for them, or perhaps they believe it is an indictment of something much more important. In any case, this all does seem to be worse than Watergate. Yet, another excellent point Mr. Dean.
L Baker says
Mr Tartaglia, the C130”s were left in Afghanistan by Biden, not Trump. Biden didn’t even protect our military or make sure civilians were safe before he made the move to pull out, causing the death of 13 military service officers. Biden has shown no respect for our servicemen. You must be outside every weekend waving to him as much as he goes to Rehobeth. He has taken 364 vacation days since January 2021. Most of any President, but he works so hard. Hmmm.
Mr Dean, say $10,000 each way in fuel every weekend for Biden to fly to Rehobeth, plus Secret Service, plus air protection. How much is he costing the American people with all the trips he is taking?
But I’m sure you approve of that! Why? Because he’s not Trump.
Mr Tartaglia, I believe you may see something worse than Watergate, but I’m not sure it will involve Trump.
Time will tell.
Barbara Denton says
Watch out! Your Trump Derangement Syndrome is showing in spades. Is this all you have? Worrying about who is paying for Trump’s transportation to answer to false indictments which are absolute election interference. We shall see who ends up going to jail. It is not Donald Trump. It will be various members of the Biden family. Do not bother with Joe. He is too old and senile to know where he is. It will be enough that he suffers the disgrace of selling our Country out.
L Baker says
Barbara Denton I agree with you completely! Trump had this country on a prosperous road, respected by other countries, no major wars, and had immigration at a more acceptable level. All this while he was consistently attacked with false accusations and a fisa that was written up by Hillary and her cronies so they could try to impeach him. Why are they doing all this.? Why are they working SO HARD to take him down? They all used to be friends with Trump. What does he know about them? I believe these court cases from the indictments, especially this latest one, will be the answer. I’m ready to know why they are constantly going after Trump with these lame charges.
Mr Dean I don’t know where you have been but I would gain to say 90% of Congress is crooked, used our money to prosper themselves. They go into office worth $200,000 and in a couple of years have assets in the millions, it certainly didn’t come from their salary, something is not kosher in government! As Ms Denton stated, Trump gave his salary to the military veterans, parks service, health and human services, etc. So why are you so worried about where the money comes from for these frivolous lawsuits brought on by Biden’s DOJ? I will tell you, these next few months are going to be enlightening.
My mother always told me, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. We soon will see why.
John Dean says
I’m seeing Biden Derangement Syndrome “showing up in spades.” I don’t think I suffer from it, but I’m curious: You indicate that “various members of the Biden family” will be going to jail. Who are you writing about?
In any case, thank you for reading the article.
Barbara Denton says
I am writing about Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, some of the grandchildren. Any Biden who received money from the bribes paid to all the accounts set up to receive the money. You really need to keep up with what has been revealed. The lamestream media is not reporting on it. Every time a new revelation concerning the Biden dirty dealing comes out Trump gets indicted for something else. One lamestream media program on Sunday mentioned Donald Trump 70 times in one hour. Not one word about Biden. The fear in the Dems is palpable. Obviously, they will do anything to destroy Trump but it is not going to work.
Karen Simpson says
It is absolutely stunning to see how deep into the echo chamber many people have gone. Some are still actually saying there is no evidence of Joe Biden taking bribes. It’s wild. People even still believe the Russia collusion hoax!
Steve Shimko says
While there may not have been collusion, that same report concluded that Russia/Putin did try to influence the election in Trump’s favor.
Reed Fawell 3 says
Heads up to some of us. Might Nicolo F. Tartaglia be a brilliant satirist?
Barbara Denton says
I made a comment to that effect but the Spy did not publish it. There are many clues that this was tongue in cheek.
Reed Fawell 3 says
Barbara – My sense is it’s brilliant read as satire: and quite telling, given variety of responses.
John Dean says
You think so? He was a bit subtle, don’t you think?
Reed Fawell 3 says
Exactly, perhaps you miss it.
Nicolo F. Tartaglia says
I assure you Sir, that this is neither brilliant nor satire. If anything, it might be a rather crude attempt to turn the other cheek, but I will let you decide.
In any event, I sincerely love all my country and my fellow Americans, especially those with whom I may (or may not) disagree. We all want the same things at the end of the day, although we may disagree on how we get there. It may be messy, but it is infinitely preferable to the alternative. (I have seen the alternative close up.)
I do have a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Dean and all those who put themselves out there in the lawful exercise of the 1st Amendment. It is not right of me to poke fun. They are true patriots and should be commended in their exercise regardless of the position they take on a given matter. None of us are saints among sinners, least of all yours truly. Not many of us are asked to throw a grappling hook over a wall in Inchon, so courage in speech is the least one can do. Although that does not mean you cannot or should not debate your brother. I for one, still believe there is such a thing as truth and that we are put on this Earth to find it. I also know I do not have any hope in finding it alone.
It is time for me to put this down and go back to my garden. I shall not be posting in the Spy for the foreseeable future.
If I achieved anything as provocateur, hopefully it is a slight dent in the echo chamber. You once quoted Thomas Paine, but I believe Mr. Lincoln is more appropriate for our times.
“With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan ~ to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
The Republic has survived much worse, in large part thanks to those who hold themselves as brothers in honest disagreement. Hats off to you Mr. Dean.
Barbara Lee Jefferson says
Great article! Obviously written with intelligence; knowledge of subject; and facts. I’m looking forward to Jack Smith carving the orange pumpkin into tiny pieces.
Barbara Denton says
Please hold your breath. It is not going to happen.