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Donald Trump Attacks Hillary Clinton Over Use of Air Force One

Donald Trump lambasted Hillary Clinton for flying to a campaign rally on Air Force One with President Barack Obama, leaving a bill for US taxpayers.

Mr Obama was due to join his former Secretary of State on the campaign trail for the first time in the 2016 election on Tuesday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The White House confirmed they were making the 90-minute flight from Washington together on the president’s government-funded plane.

Mr Trump was due to hold a rival rally in North Carolina, a key swing state, last night.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee said: “Taxpayers are paying a fortune for the use of Air Force One on the campaign trail by President Obama and Crooked Hillary. A total disgrace! Who pays?”

According to Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog, Air Force One costs more than $200,000 an hour to operate.

Under procedures adopted in the 1980s Mrs Clinton’s campaign, or the Democratic Party, will be required to pay for some of the cost.

What proportion they pay, and what is left for taxpayers, is decided by the White House using a formula that has never been made public.

It is known that Secret Service agents accompanying the president are always paid for by the taxpayer.

Nick Merrill, Mrs Clinton’s spokesman, said: “As is the standard practice the campaign will cover its portion of the costs.”

However, he did not say how much that would be.

Unlike most outgoing presidents Mr Obama is expected to campaign vigorously on behalf on his favoured successor.

As president he always flies on Air Force One, meaning his campaign travel bill will run into many millions of dollars.

Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton were fierce rivals for the Democratic nomination in 2008.

His appearances this year could be key to Mrs Clinton’s success as she face doubts among voters about her honesty and trustworthiness.

Jennifer Palmieri, Mrs Clinton’s campaign adviser, said: “As someone who was a former rival and came to put a lot of faith in her we believe the president’s support is particularly meaningful to voters.”

Clinton campaign officials said Mr Obama would not primarily be attacking Mr Trump but would aim to promote a positive message on issues including health care, immigration, and the environment.

In 2008 Mr Obama became the first Democrat to win traditionally Republican North Carolina since 1976, but then lost the state to Mitt Romney in 2012.

His first campaign appearance came as a new USA Today poll showed Mrs Clinton’s lead over Mr Trump narrowing to five percentage points.

It also showed the two candidates as the most disliked ever. Mrs Clinton had an unfavourability rating of 53 per cent and Mr Trump’s was 60 per cent.

Mr Trump sparked speculation his choice of a running mate was imminent as he praised several contenders.

Those included Iowa senator Joni Ernst, with whom he spent part of the July 4 holiday.

Mr Trump said: “It was great spending time with Joni Ernst. She has done a fantastic job for the people of Iowa. Will see her again!”

Source: The Telegraph, UK

  

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