White House use of Marine helicopter display cost $24K: report

President Trump’s use of a military helicopter on display for a “Made in America” event at the White House in July cost taxpayers at least $24,000, according to a report on Thursday.

Time reported that the White House’s last-minute decision to fly in a Sikorsky VH-3D helicopter to sit on the South Lawn during the all-day event cost taxpayers more than $24,000 and raised questions among its Marine squadron.

According to Time, the commander of the squadron responsible for operating the aircraft characterized the assignment as “unusual” and inquired whether it would violate the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from using government property for any political purpose.

“I just wanted to make sure you were aware because it’s such an unusual, high visibility event,” the commander of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) emailed to his superior. “One question we asked was if it was a violation of the Hatch Act and were informed it was not.” 

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The helicopter is the same type that is designated as “Marine One” when the president is aboard.

The aircraft, which was built in Connecticut, was displayed on the South Lawn of the White House along with products manufactured in all 50 states as part of Trump’s “Made in America” week at the White House.

The helicopter was flown to the South Lawn of the White House at 7 a.m. for the event, and departed the White House that evening. It’s unclear whether the president ever interacted with the aircraft during the event.

Other vehicles at the event included a fire truck from Wisconsin and a yacht from Maine, according to Time. 

Trump said during “Made in America” week last month that the White House is seeking to “reclaim” America’s “heritage as a manufacturing nation.”

“We are going to build works of beauty and wonder — with American hands, American grit, and American iron, aluminum and steel,” he said.