Are taxpayers footing the bill for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign travel on Air Force Two? Let’s VERIFY the rules candidates must follow when using government planes for campaign-related travel.
As Vice President Harris travels across swing states campaigning for the upcoming presidential election, many readers have questioned whether her campaign actually pays for the use of Air Force Two.
THE QUESTION
Does the Harris campaign pay to use Air Force Two?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, the Harris campaign pays to use Air Force Two.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to federal election law, candidates are required to pay for the use of publicly-owned planes for campaign purposes. Guidelines published by the Federal Election Commission state that candidates or their authorized committees must reimburse the government entity providing the aircraft for campaign travel.
The amount to be paid is calculated based on the number of people on the flight for campaign-related reasons, and it is equivalent to the cost of chartering an airplane for that number of individuals.
Campaign funds are used to cover travel expenses that involve campaign-related activities, even if combined with official vice-presidential duties. If any campaign activity is conducted at a particular stop, the travel to that stop is considered campaign-related.
FEC filings reveal that the Harris campaign covers travel expenses through a special account managed by the Democratic National Committee. This account has made multiple payments to White House Military Operations, which operates Air Force One and Air Force Two.
Between the beginning of 2023 and the latest data at the end of June 2024, the DNC has reimbursed the White House $498,710.15 for campaign flights taken by both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
