Five Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis requesting information regarding President Donald Trump's travel expenses and the demands placed upon the military.

"The president's frequent trips to New York City and his Florida golf course are costing the taxpayers millions of dollars and placing an undue burden on our defense agencies," wrote Rep. Tom O'Halleran of Arizona.

"Huge sums—including precious military resources—are expended every time President Trump decides to jet down to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend," added Rep. Ruben Gallego, also from Arizona.

Three other members signed the letter: Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Carol Shea-Porter of New Hampshire, and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts.

"While DOD is obligated to support presidential travel, the enormous cost to American taxpayers incurred over the first month of the Trump Administration raises serious concerns about the fiscal sustainability of these arrangements and their potential to divert critical funds from DOD's core missions," the letter said. 

"Last year, the GAO estimated a three-day trip by President Obama to Illinois and Florida – a visit that included both official and unofficial business activities – cost DOD $2.8 million alone, excluding classified and personnel expenses," the letter said. 

According to Fortune magazine, Trump's travel expenses for his first 30 days in office cost taxpayers nearly $10 million. 

About Mackenzie Wolf

Mackenzie Wolf is an editorial intern for Military Times.

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