Blogger rains on Michelle Obama's trip to Spain

First Lady Michelle Obama is taking heat for her private trip to Spain this week, most notably from a New York blogger slamming her as the “Material Girl” and comparing her to Marie Antoinette, the late former queen of France.

Andrea Tantaros, writing on NYDailyNews.com, took issue with the first lady’s pricey five-star hotel and her “estimated 70 Secret Service agents.”ma

Tantaros, a former congressional staffer for Republican lawmakers, chided Obama for living large while “most of the country is pinching pennies and downsizing summer sojourns — or forgoing them altogether.”

Obama is in Spain with nine-year-old daughter Sasha and many longtime family friends. The White House had no comment on the blog post and would not specify how many pals — or security personnel — were along for the trip.

But one White House official said Obama had a “small” group of friends and “minimal” staff on the trip, and said personal expenses, such as hotel rooms and meals, were being paid for by the Obamas.

“Any additional footprint, including rooms needed for security support and transportation, falls under the same rules as have applied to any previous first family travel,” the official said. That is, private expenses are paid for privately and government expenses are picked up by Uncle Sam.

On tap for Michelle and Sasha Obama: a visit with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain.

Antoinette went to her death at the guillotine. So far, only slings and arrows for the first lady and her older daughter while big sister Malia Obama, 12, is away at summer camp — and, perhaps, practicing archery.

-- Katherine Skiba

Whether you're on vacation or still at work, click here for Twitter alerts of each new Ticket item. Or follow us @latimestot. Our Facebook Like page is over here. Also available on Kindle now with a two-week free trial.

Photos: Spaniards greet Michelle Obama in Granada. Credit: AFP/Getty Images. Obama tours Marabella. Credit: Associated Press.

Comments

[Kathryn Hale]

Michelle Obama is going to use us for every penny she can. And what's with leaving her husband before his birthday? Oh and by the way, you would think, by the way they take vacations that our Country has no need of our president's presence, which we don't. At the end of the month, they are headed of for a 2 week vacation to Martha's Vineyard. Hmmm, I don't trust either one of them.

[Lwood]

Michelle Obama is finally pround to be an American, and even more proud to spend our money

[ined]

2012, McChrystal for President!

[Caroline Miniscule]

If I were Malia, I'd be a bit ticked that little sister got to go to Spain while I had to stay at a camp in the US. What's up with that?

Unless Michele has promised her daughter that next time she takes a trip to a foreign country, Malia will get to go and little sister will have to stay behind?

In any event, I don't want to have President Obama, or the First Lady, ever mention again that we Americans have to reduce our carbon footprint or cut back on our expenses because we're using up too much of the world's resources. They've lost the right - if they ever had it - to preach to us.

[xracerx]

The doltish readers on the NYdailynews site applauded Michelle for her lavish spending and traveling spree, saying it promotes the American dream and a positive image. Actually, it comes off as elitist and out of touch - costing the taxpayers money at a time when many are unemployed, working hard to make ends meet, and can't afford such vacations at another's expense.
I'll believe the Obama's paid for the private expenses such as hotel rooms (there were 30), etc when I see the bill. The cost to the taxpayer for her entourage and security force of 70+ is ridiculous and inappropriately timed.

[MICHELLE WILLIAMS]

PEOPLE NEED TO MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS. THE OBAMAS WERE NOT POOR BEFORE THEY WENT TO THE WHITEHOUSE. THEY COULD HAVE WENT ON VACATION TO SPAIN BEFORE NOW. WERE ANY ONE QUESTIONING WHEN ANY OTHER FIRST LADY WENT ON VACATION? I DON'T THINK SO.

[Shomeir]

Michelle Antoinette Obama better get back to the Palace of Versailles... er I mean the White House before the next party begins.

[Matt]

Utterly sickening behavior. Reminds me of the former Kenyan ruler Jomo Kenyata's wife from the 1980's who systematically looted Kenya while her inept husband lived the high life.

[abhishek sharma]

Elephant has different sets of teeth for eating and showing. Obama family and the state owned media projected them as frugal middle-class who buys from Target, Walmart and enjoy food from McDonalds. However, it seems that this family is hell bent loose on bankrupting this country. to see the clear pattern, we must be reminded of millions that are already spent on Mrs. Obama’s designer wardrobe, exotic food tastes, flying chefs from Chicago to satisfy the palette of this family, separately flying the dog “BO” on a plane to unit it with the first family while they were vacationing in Maine, eight vacations so far... list goes on and on. Afterall, what great work or heavy lifting these folks do in white house that they need or deserve these luxuries? If they were in private sector, they would have been fired long time ago. May be that is why they hate private sector so much.
To keep the balance, Mr. Obama has hired 17,000 more IRS agents to suck money out of small businesses. So, you need not worry. ENJOY !

[Myron]

"falls under the same rules as have applied to any previous first family travel ..."

This is all that matters. Anything beyond this is just Obama Derangement Syndrome. People really need to get out more and get some air, including this complaining "blogger."

[Elvis Tanyi]

This is just the type of cheap "red neck " politics that has no place in the politcs the President has been trying to cultivate. The First Lady is entitled to any vacation as long as her pocket can provide. She is our First Lady (I know most people do not see her as such, because she is black), and before she became one, she had a very high paying job. Remember Mrs.Obama is Harvart Law graduate and has worked for many years after school.As First Lady she is entitled to security and transportation like any First Lady.Peace

[Al]

Are we surprised by elitist democrats. Michelle Antoinette is no different since they know better than we little people(or "small" people astheir BP cronies call us). Ever since the worst crooks, the Kennedys and their ostentatious snootiness when they were in the White House, we've allowed these democrat elitists to wine and dine on our dimes.

[Garl]

The problem with Mrs. Obama's current vacation is that it is just one of EIGHT planned for the three months of summer. While people of good will do not begrudge her some downtime, the problem has, I believe, become that so much of her downtime is so expensive for the rest of us. All of the concerts, famous chefs, flashy trips here, there and everywhere become a bit overwhelming in such a short period of time.

[Roger]

"Let them eat cake, but only in government approved portions"--
Aunt Esther

[StoolsBoy]

Michelle Obama is hot, and always has been. I have always followed Miss o

[Susan Gorgo]

Did Michelle Antoinette have First Dog Bo flown to Spain on a separate Air Force jet?

[George]

I think there is alot of racism from you people. President Obama is the bestest president that this country has ever had. There are alot of jelus white people that just want to make themselves feel beter about themselves by saying racist things about the president. Wake up to the fact that Obama is doing great things.

[Mike]

If the current clean-up crew is doing such a great job ...when wil I see an increase to my paycheck bottom line and a decrease in the amount federal taxes taken from me?

I don't have an issue with the 1st family taken a trip @ their expense and the US Government picking up the security tab, but I do have an issue of being excessive in their destinations for such trips and all the logistical cost that is included (how many military cargo planes did it take to bring those security team vehicles to Spain?). With the US economy so slow to recover, wouldn't it been wiser for them to spend their money and our money at a US desitination for their vacation? You have to wonder about this team and their thought processes!

[joedalton]

please stop writting non -sense whenever the obamas are doing something ou going somewhere.they deserved it as first family.

[Nick]

Hmm...well I suppose it keeps secret service agents employed

[Stephen Pollard]

I wonder if the Obama White House is concerned with it's image of the First Lady's Material GIrl fashion style. With the economy deteriorating & people out of work or losing their jobs, I thought that the Obama's would take great pains in distancing themselves from the fasionista / cover boy / cover girl / material / glamorous world of high society

[lilo623]

I wish Michelle could have taken some unemployed Americans with her also, with 131,000 (net) jobs lost this month.

[teleprompter]

"she had a very high paying job"

Wrong ....she gave up her law degree and had a high paying job as a hospital administrator in Chicago. Oh and after she left for Washington they eliminated the position.It was a political favor job.

"THE OBAMAS WERE NOT POOR BEFORE THEY WENT TO THE WHITEHOUSE. THEY COULD HAVE WENT ON VACATION TO SPAIN BEFORE NOW"

Bringing 60 friends with is a bit much based on the current economy. You must think this is somewhat out of touch or your are ideologically blind.

[Eddy]

Why can't you leave the first family alone? You all act like children WANTING TO GET THE OTHER KIDS IN TROUBLE. You people are making the US look like fools in front of the whole world and it doesn't bother you one bit.

s the old saying goes "Don't it make your mama proud?" Or better yet, Since those people from "The Party of NO" are suppose to be so religious, "What would Jesus DO?

You need to stop watching Glenn Beck and FOX NEWS and come in out of the rain! Did you ever stop and think..Maybe Fox news is WRONG, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONLY NEWS THAT HATES THE PRESIDENT??????????

[Eddy]

If the US isn't paying for their vacation, why do you care where they go or do? The secret service is paid the same if in the US or abroad. The Obama's pay for everything themselves AS IS THE US LAW. They also pay for all food, clothing and etc, for their family(even)in the White House.

Next you'll be calling them Nazis LIKE BECK DOES for doing nothing but wanting to help the US get this country moving out of this recession. I'm ashamed knowing my own country lets you slander the POTUS.

[PeteJ]

Queen Michelle Antoinette hasn't wasted any time to develop "nouveau riche" habits. The trip to Spain is the SECOND private trip she has taken to Europe this year. Earlier in June she went with her daughters and her mother to England and France. She should hurry when she gets back to the States and take a third and maybe a fourth luxury trip because November is just 3 months away.

[Xavier Allen]

Is it not true that the secret service agents get paid wether or not they are on assignment? Soldiers in the military get paid wether or not there's a war! Polititans get paid for telling you lies, That being said, what is the real issue that some of you have with the first lady but choose to remain silent on more important issues in this country? Check yourself!!!

[Corrie Lee Kauth]

I am from Canada. I do not understand the constant complaining of what the Obama family is doing. How many of all those who have a need to degrade what they do, have a job that is 24 hours, 7 days a week. It does not matter where the President is, he is always on call. How many of you have to make decisions about a war that went all wrong before he came into office? How many of you have to make decisions and conduct business with BP Oil spill? Do you have to worry about how to upgrade education? The Health-care of a Nation? (Which was an absolute disaster) How to create jobs when large companies were letting people go. The Arizona Immigration law and the broader concern of what to do about the illegals already in the Country and what to do about the future, especially when two previous presidents did absolutely nothing...oh, except make it worse for Canadians to travel, Who pose no treat... And no matter what you do, what you say, everyone is going to thrown stones. Do all of you have those kind of shoulders? Especially since he is black. While up here we just don't get the big deal about being black. But yet that is a lot of the problem...because of all the racism predominate in your culture, this family needs more security then previous Presidents and their families.
So, that extra cost is due to your prejudices, not because this family feels it is elitist. Or is this complaining about France, just a smoke screen to the real problem?
You don't want your First Lady, who is a highly educated,and a very strong woman. A beautiful and charming lady, to be representing you in other countries because she also happens to be black?

[Eddy]

Thank you Corrie Lee,.. You said it much better than I ever could!

[Barry Hussein]

She should go ahead and spend, spend, spend. Enjoy all of it because it will be ending come January 2013.

[optiimist]

Who are all these friends and young people on the trip? Did they all pay for Air Force 2? Shouldn't they all have flown commercial? This is not a state visit. Why do they need eleven cars and 70 Secret Service men all who are staying in the pricey 4-star hotel at a minimum of $500 a night per room?

[optiimist]

In response to Michelle Williams' comment that the Obamas weren't poor when they entered the White House --- I read a story that when Obama went to the 1990 convention, I believe that was the convention where he gave a nomination speech for Clinton, that his VISA was denied at the hotel for being over the limit and that he had to borrow money.

[JC]

Yes, Secret Service personnel is paid the same, but when they're in the U.S., the taxpayers don't need to pay for the transportation of them and their equipment, special car for the first lady, the lodging of the secret service at over $400 a room, the food and other expenses (per diem) of the secret service personnel and government employees ( her aids) etc.

Plus, it's hypocratic for Mrs. Obama to preach people about vacationing at the Gulf region while she takes off to Spanish beaches! It's "do as I say, not as I do!" It's no high crime, but it's political tone-deafness and it shows an insensitivity at the time of a severe recession.

[Dan Quinn]

These people are unbelievable. They must have republican strategists planning their vacations. The Obama's are lost balls in high weeds.

[Pam]

1. If the Obamas' are so wealthy - why didn't they do all this personal travel before getting to the White House?
2. Air Force One is NOT the family station wagon.
3. It appears Mrs. Obama dresses better on this trip vs. the Grand Canyon, but she still only proves class can't be bought.

[Leslie]

The only racism I can see in these posts is coming from the elite liberals who cannot fathom any reason to protest fiscal rape other than a narrow-minded basis of race. The only racists posting are those who automatically label all protesters of the Obamas "ignorant white rednecks." Well, gee, how racist of you.

[Amcg]

Why is it that every time you critcize the Obamas for anything, people yell "RACIST?" Was it racist when black people criticized the Bushes?

[fobama]

Spend....spend....spend.....Obamass at it's best !

[Rhoda]

This trip is the icing on the cake thrown to the American people of the Obamas' image brand as the Marie Antoinette/King Louis XVI of the USA. This trip comes close after Paul McCartney's White House entertainment, making the President and Michelle look like 17 year olds more interested in entertainment than responsible leadership. Obama's legacy is already defined by the longest war in American history, Afghanistan, his banker bailouts and the BP oil spill. With Paul McCartney adding to the White House frill, Obama left behind on his birthday while Michelle frolics in the sun, Michelle is basically telling the American people to eat cake. Haven't the American people sacrificed enough?

[mc]

I am absolutely disgusted to hear about Michelle's extravagant trip, but most of you fools who voted for Bush have some very short term memory as Bushy boy was the president with the MOST vacation EVER for a US president. That was very expensive! I am ready to vote for a Republican for the first time in my life. It is up to the Republicans to provide a good candidate. Please forget about Palin or Obama will be reelected.

[Honneymoon in Pyong Yang]

The court is beeing transformed to ressemble the view.Let's get Gerry Springer in there so that both the court and the senate may each have a representative of the mentally challenged,right now Franken has to keep
on apoligising and Boxer is in danger of loosing her title of the most stupid
senator.

[fobama]

spend baby spend !

whats another trillion $$ to national debt

[elizabeth]

The first lady is the first lady who's has been a disgrace to the office. She's an arrogant low life sho doesn't belong is our white house. Michele is an embarrassment as is her anti-American spouse who is destroying our country a little everyday.

[joe muller]

The hypocracy is unbelievable. Just figure the carbon footprint that she made here. The fuel used on this trip cost $11,000 per hour. With the plane rental and everything included the price comes to over $300,000. But the carbon footprint??!! The president expects all of us to listen to this bullshit about global warming and now wants to tax us with cap and trade and his friggin wife takes a 757 to Spain at taxpayers expense!! Dont tell me that they will reimbuse it either. The only reason that they might is because of the furer over this trip. If that jerk thinks he is going to pass cap and trade and they fly all over the country for the hell of it. This man and woman think they are the king and queen.

[Sam]

According to what I have read, even if the first lady and friends pay for their own expenses, the tax payer costs are exceding $500,000, including the per diem, lodging, meals and transport of the entourage such as secret agents, i.e.
Air Force 2 round trip $180,000
Air Force 2 on the Ground for 5 days $250,000+
Hotel & meals $300,000
Per diem $75,000
limo cars $70,000
Overtime pay $150,000
Miscelleneous +
total $1,025,000 ++
This does seem a lot for a few days when the country is going through this.

[Ruz]

To mc, the Bushes' vacations were mostly at their own family homes and at Camp David. They had working vacations with office staff and world leaders attending. Of course, the MSM counted it all as golfing and fishing while a war was going on; funny how they ignore Obama surpassing Bush in rounds of golf in the same amount of time.

[damie]

i dont know why people keep conplaining about this issue,there is nothing new abt it and we should understand that it is something that is commonly associated with lifestyle of people in power and is something every other person can do so what's the big deal ?