It's a secret that's being guarded better than information on the NSA surveillance programs. Just how much are taxpayers ponying up for Obama's trip to Africa?

Washington Times:

The price tag, Mr. Rhodes added, is outside of the White House's control.

"Security requirements, which make up the bulk of the costs, are determined by the Secret Service," he said.

The excursion reportedly will involve military cargo planes airlifting 56 support vehicles, including 14 limousines, and three trucks to carry bulletproof glass panels to cover the windows where the president and his family will stay.

The president's wife, Michelle, and two daughters will accompany him on the trip.

Mr. Rhodes brushed aside the controversy over the calls for Mr. Obama's arrest, saying he doesn't expect counterterrorism and drone strikes to be "a specific issue that is a focus of our trip to South Africa."

"As a general matter, when it comes to security issues on the continent, counterterrorism is an important priority for the United States," he said.

Some estimates of the cost go as high as $100 million. The White House quietly shelved plans for a safari for the first family after inquiries from the press about how much the trip would cost became public.

The White House claims they don't have a figure on the cost of the trip which is typical. Given this president's spending habits with our money, it's entirely possible that the prospect of spending $100 million to visit hole in the wall, third world backwaters doesn't concern them.

If the Secret Service thinks they need a small army to protect the president on this trip, perhaps he shouldn't be going.