Five times politicians got caught spending big on business trips

When politicians book expensive business travel arrangements, they’re billed to the taxpayer. Over the years, there have been a number of scandals when our political representatives were found to have billed us for large – some might say excessive – sums. Here are five cases of political business travel scandals.

1. Governor Kristi Noem’s $150k travel tab

Former South Dakota Governor and current Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem faced scrutiny for spending over $150,000 in taxpayer funds on travel expenses. These expenses included trips for a bear hunt in Canada and a book tour.

Her office initially refused to disclose these costs, citing security concerns. The Associated Press analysis subsequently revealed that many of these trips had little connection to state duties.

2. US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s $125k EV road trip

In 2023, the US Energy Secretary set out on a cross-country trip to promote electric vehicles, which ended up costing taxpayers nearly $125,000.

The Department of Energy’s inspector general found that 36 out of 42 travel vouchers exceeded federal per diem rates, and some expenses were improperly documented. The trip also drew attention when a staffer used a gas-powered vehicle to reserve an EV charging spot, leading to a police call.

3. UK Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s £250,000 world tour

The UK House of Commons Speaker took 19 overseas trips in two years, spending a total of £250,000 – including £180,000 on business-class flights, chauffeurs and hotels. He defended the spending as part of his official role.

4. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s €600 taxi bill

The UK Labour MP reportedly racked up a €600 ($650) taxi fare driving from Italy Flaine ski resort in France. According to the taxi driver, the British MP refused to pay.

Lammy has insisted that the fare was paid in full, but the driver claims he was a “victim of assault” by Lammy and his partner.

5. Earl of Shrewsbury’s admitted misuse of travel expenses

The Earl of Shrewsbury, a Conservative hereditary peer, admitted to “erroneously” claiming expenses for non-parliamentary business, including using a taxpayer-funded first-class rail ticket for a private board meeting. He offered to repay the funds and stated he acted in good faith.

The House of Lords watchdog then launched an investigation into his expense claims.

Honorary mention: Denver Airport execs spend $165k on Madrid conference trip

Top executives at Denver International Airport spent $165,000 on a trip to a Madrid conference. They flew business class, bringing plus-ones and billing lavish meals. While technically allowed under city rules, the spending drew public outrage once local media dug into the receipts.

Many would argue that quibbling over business travel expenses of senior politicians is counterproductive. Perhaps our elected officials should be encouraged to travel in style. Yet, with economies struggling under fiscal strain, the optics on eye-watering business travel expenses are certainly not good.