Trump’s inauguration could be most expensive to date

Global Business

Friday’s inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. President may be the most expensive ever, thanks to increased security as well as inflation. The price tag is expected to reach $200 million. And a big part of that bill could be picked up by taxpayers.

CGTN’s Roee Ruttenberg reports.

Perhaps the most iconic part of the inauguration, the swearing in, is also the cheapest.

A couple dozen words that make-up the oath, the construction of the stage and a subsequent lunch, with a price tag of about a million dollars with more than half being covered by funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress.

Adding on the the cost of the day’s festivities are the multiple events during the day: the parade, the balls, the concert adding another $20 million.

But compare that to the cost of safeguarding all of it, in a capital city that’s practically shut down: an estimated 30,000 personnel from dozens of state, local and federal agencies that have been brought in, plus their equipment, it adds up to a whopping $100 million. And transportation and emergency services could double that figure. But who pays?

Like previous incoming presidents, Trump has an inaugural committee. It’s comprised mostly of wealthy loyalists who are pitching in. So far, the Trump Presidential Inauguration Committee has raised $90 million, a number that could still grow, as private donors fork out big bucks to see the new President on his first day in office.

A one million dollar ticket gets you – or your corporation – a “candlelight dinner” with the Trumps and Pence on inauguration night.

If you’re on a tighter budget, you could opt instead for one of the galas. Tickets start at $150. But staying in Washington, D.C. this weekend is pricey. The average cost for hotel rooms still available runs about $500 a night.

While President Obama held 10 Galas, Trump is holding only three. And still, his inauguration day costs are expected to exceed his predecessors. Trump has loosened the rules regulating donations, and his committee has raised more money than both of Obama’s inaugurations combined.

But taxpayers will pay any outstanding differences. Just how much Trump officials says the final figures will be revealed in the weeks ahead.


Steve Pruitt discusses Trump’s cabinet

To learn more about the cabinet members under Trump’s administration and their potential conflict of interests, CGTN’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Steve Pruitt, managing partner at Watts Partners, and former staff director of the Committee on the Budget of the United States House of Representatives.