In the wake of Michelle Obama's revelation to Jimmy Fallon that her daughters Sasha and Malia "want nothing to do with us," (a feeling many share), it is worthwhile noting that just a couple of years ago the First Lady officially termed them "Senior Staff" for official purposes. We know this only thanks to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch. The organization had at first requested the information pursuant to FOIA, but when denied, was forced to sue.

The trip took place June 21-27, 2011, and was taken by First Lady Michelle Obama, her family and her staff to South Africa and Botswana. Judicial Watch writes:

• According to U.S. Department of Defense's published hourly rates for the C-32A aircraft used for the trip, Judicial Watch calculated the total cost to American taxpayers was $424,142 for use of the aircraft (34.8 flight hours x $12,188 per hour). (The C-32 is a specially configured military version of the Boeing 757.) Other expenses - meals (off the plane), transportation, security, various services, etc. - have yet to be disclosed.
• The passenger manifests confirm the presence of Obama's daughter's, Malia and Sasha on the trip. The two girls are listed as "Senior Staff." The manifests also list Mrs. Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, and niece and nephew, Leslie and Avery Robinson, as well Mrs. Obama's makeup and hairstylist (Carl Ray and Johnny Wright). [emphasis added]
  
• The expense records also show $928.44 was spent for "bulk food" purchases on flight. Overall, during the trip, 192 meals were served for the 21 passengers on board.

The professed purpose of Michelle Obama's trip to South Africa and Botswana was to encourage young people living in the two growing democracies to become involved in national affairs; and during her scheduled stops in Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa and in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, the First Lady used the opportunity to speak on education, health and wellness issues.The trip also included such tourist events as visits to historical landmarks and museums, plus a nonworking chance to send time with Nelson Mandela, a meeting that Mrs. Obama described as "surreal." The trip ended with a private family safari at a South African game reserve before the group returned to Washington on June 27."This trip was as much an opportunity for the Obama family to go on a safari as it was a trip to conduct government business," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "This junket wasted tax dollars and the resources of our overextended military. No wonder we had to sue to pry loose this information."

What is the story behind listing the daughters as "Senior Staff"? Are there regulations that would require reimbursement to the government for their travel if they were listed as children?

Hat tip: Ed Lasky, Illinois Review