Trump plans 5-day stay at 'Southern White House' for Thanksgiving

FAA warns airport authorities of president's Tuesday-Monday travel plans

US President Donald Trump sits in his vehicle parked at the head of a convoy before being driven away after arriving on Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport on April 13, 2017 in West Palm Beach. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

PALM BEACH, Fla. – President Donald Trump arrives at Palm Beach for a five-day stay Tuesday afternoon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. But before leaving the White House, Trump must pardon the turkey in the Rose Garden and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the tradition.

The FAA warned the Palm Beach County Park/Lantana Airport authorities the president will arrive about 5:15 p.m. The U.S. Secret Service was preparing for Trump to spend Thanksgiving with family at the Trump National Golf Club Mar-a-Lago, which the president has said is "the Southern White House."

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Air Force One will be departing Palm Beach about 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 26. The president will likely return to Palm Beach for Christmas. Trump's critics focused on the presence of one of the world's most expensive yachts owned by a prominent Russian oligarch, and also on the cost that the visit imposes on local authorities. 

The Palm Beach Post reported Roman Abramovich, a prominent Russian oligarch with ties to Vladimir Putin, docked his 533-foot yacht at the Port of Palm Beach Friday and will stay through December. 

Records show the Department of the Air Force spent about $1.3 million to fly the president to Palm Beach County during his two first trips, according to the Judicial Watch.  

The Palm Beach Post estimated the local agencies' cost of the first two trips was approaching $3.7 million. The Palm Beach Sheriff's Office was taking the brunt of it. The department's cover photo for its Twitter account is an image of Air Force One. 


About the Author:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.