The conservative publication Newsmax reports that President Obama’s vacation will cost taxpayers more than $1 million whether he makes it to Hawaii this holiday season or not.

Excerpt:

“His wife, I understand, has already left so there’s no doubt at some point that he’s going to catch up to her, but the money has already been spent,” said Republican strategist and political commentator Bradley A. Blakeman, who recalls the marked contrast in working for President George W. Bush during the Christmas holidays.

“Millions and millions of dollars are wasted already regardless of whether the president catches up with his family or not,” Blakeman said about the president’s planned holiday.

Photo of Kailua Beach courtesy jdnx.