Trump's eldest son faces controversy over security expenses again

Last August, 92.17 million KRW of public funds spent during Mongolia visit

Also criticized for hunting endangered species

▲ President Donald Trump (right) and his eldest son Trump Junior (left).

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Donald Trump Jr., son of U.S. President Donald Trump, has once again come under fire for his visit to Mongolia last August. It was recently revealed that 77,000 USD (approximately 92.17 million KRW) of public funds were spent solely on security costs during the Mongolia trip, which was already surrounded by controversies such as preferential treatment and trophy hunting.

On the 9th (local time), CNN cited statements from the nonprofit organization 'Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics' reporting that the U.S. Secret Service spent a total of 76,859 USD on security costs for Trump Jr.'s Mongolia trip. A representative from Trump Jr.'s side stated, "All other expenses except for security costs were personally paid by Trump Jr."

Among all U.S. presidents, President Trump has the largest number of protected family members, totaling 42, and has been embroiled in security cost controversies since the beginning of his term. Early in his presidency, Melania Trump decided to stay in New York for their son Barron's education, which led to an average daily security cost of 130,000 USD (approximately 150 million KRW) for them, sparking controversy. Additionally, Secret Service agents were deployed in large numbers during visits such as Eric Trump's trip to Uruguay, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's vacation in Colorado, and Tiffany Trump's European holiday. Furthermore, President Trump, known as a golf enthusiast, frequently visited his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and the Bedminster golf course in New Jersey on weekends, causing security costs to skyrocket. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, each visit by President Trump to Mar-a-Lago reportedly costs about 3 million USD (approximately 3.4 billion KRW). Due to this, the Secret Service has faced difficulties in paying overtime wages to agents because of budget depletion.

During his Mongolia visit last August, Trump Jr. was criticized by animal rights groups for hunting the Argali, the world's largest wild sheep, which is an endangered species.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.