【1974 Archives】

As the taxpayer-footed price tag of Health974 ArchivesHuman Services Secretary Tom Price's private travel balloons to over $1 million, he’s probably wishing that he could take back some of his harsh statements about "reckless" government spending right about now.

On Sept. 21, Politicoreported that Price took private charter planes when inexpensive commercial options were available. These private flights reportedly ended up costing the public more than $300,000.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. On Thursday, after learning that Price also frequently took military jets for travel abroad, Politicoadjusted the cost to taxpayers to over $1 million.

Price has vowed to pay back the government for the cost of his seats on the planes. But his promise of $52,000 doesn't quite stand up to the total "price" tag. Heh.

The massive bill is especially galling considering his past statements about government spending. While in Congress, Secretary Price was a harsh and outspoken critic of bloated budgets. He frequently berated Democrats for spending during a time of deficit, and for mishandling money.

Fortunately for us, the internet never forgets. And these self-righteous tweets about "reckless spending" are definitely not a good look.

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Ready for some icing on the hypocrisy cake? Here's a video of Tom Price criticizing Democrats in Congress for - wait for it - spending money on private planes for government travel.

"This is just another example of fiscal irresponsibility run amok in congress," said then-Congressman Price on CNBC.

President Trump is reportedly unhappy with Price, and there is speculation that the secretary may not last long in his post due to his travel spending.

His termination as HHS secretary may indeed be justified - especially if Trump decides to take Price's own advice:

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Can't argue with that.

UPDATE Sept. 29, 1:40 p.m. PT: Secretary Tom Price resigned Friday, the White House announced. Deputy assistant secretary Don Wright was tapped as acting secretary.

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Later Friday, Price posted his resignation letter, which the White House also shared.

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