George Boyle
Steven Terner Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary, and his wife, Louise Linton, made headlines in 2017 when it was revealed that Mnuchin had requested a government jet for their honeymoon in Europe. The couple's honeymoon included visits to Scotland, France, and Italy. Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker with an estimated net worth of $300 million, cited the need for secure communications as a member of the National Security Council as the reason for his request. The use of the jet, estimated to cost $25,000 per hour, sparked controversy and an inquiry from the Department's Inspector General.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon destination | Europe (Scotland, France, Italy) |
| Date | June 2017 |
| Mode of transport | US Air Force plane |
| Cost of mode of transport | $25,000 per hour |
| Reason for mode of transport request | Need for secure communications |
| Outcome of request | Withdrawn |
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What You'll Learn
Steven Mnuchin requested a government jet for his honeymoon
Steven Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary, requested the use of a government jet for his honeymoon with his wife, Louise Linton. The jet, a US air force plane, would have cost around $25,000 per hour to operate, according to an Air Force spokesman. Mnuchin and Linton planned to travel to several European countries, including Scotland, France, and Italy.
Mnuchin's request sparked controversy and was met with criticism from various quarters. The treasury department's inspector general launched an investigation into the request, which was reported by ABC News and picked up by several national media outlets. The request was made in writing and justified on the grounds of maintaining a secure line of communication during the honeymoon. Mnuchin, a member of the United States National Security Council, argued that he needed access to secure communications and that his staff had explored different options before submitting the request.
However, the request was ultimately withdrawn after alternative methods for secure communication were identified. A Treasury Department spokesman stated that the use of a military aircraft was unnecessary, and Mnuchin himself denied any misuse of government funds, asserting that he had never used government funds for personal travel. Nevertheless, the incident added to existing scrutiny surrounding Mnuchin's use of government aircraft, including a previous trip to Kentucky with his wife, during which they viewed the solar eclipse.
The honeymoon request also attracted criticism from Democrats, including Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, who called it "slap-your-forehead stuff," suggesting that it was an obvious misuse of government resources. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a lawsuit against the treasury department, seeking the release of documents related to the trip. Additionally, Linton, an actress and model, faced backlash for a now-deleted Instagram post showcasing luxury designer items she wore during the trip. She engaged in a defensive exchange with another user, insinuating that the government had not funded their honeymoon or personal travel.
Overall, the request for a government jet for Mnuchin's honeymoon sparked concerns about the potential misuse of government resources and added to existing controversies surrounding the couple's use of government aircraft. The incident led to increased scrutiny and prompted investigations into their travel practices.
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The jet would have cost $25,000 per hour
Steven Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary, requested the use of a government jet for his honeymoon in Europe. The jet would have cost $25,000 per hour to operate, according to estimates provided by the US Air Force. This estimate includes the cost of manpower, maintenance, and standing support.
Mnuchin's request for the jet was based on his need for secure communications as a member of the United States National Security Council. However, the request was met with criticism and sparked an inquiry from the Department's Inspector General. Mnuchin and his wife, Louise Linton, are both extremely wealthy, with Mnuchin having a net worth of about $300 million according to Forbes. The couple's honeymoon included visits to Scotland, France, and Italy.
The use of a government jet for personal travel is considered unusual and has raised questions about the misuse of government resources. Mnuchin's office insisted that the trip to Europe was for official business and that the couple would reimburse the government for Linton's travel costs. However, the request for the jet was later withdrawn after alternative means of secure communication were identified.
This incident is not the first time Mnuchin has been criticized for his use of government resources. In August 2017, Mnuchin and Linton travelled on a government aircraft to Kentucky, where they watched the solar eclipse. This trip was also met with controversy, as it appeared to be a leisure trip rather than for official business.
Overall, the $25,000 per hour cost of the jet for Mnuchin's honeymoon highlights the potential misuse of government resources and the need for transparency and accountability in the use of such resources.
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Mnuchin's request was denied
Steven Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary, requested the use of a government jet for his honeymoon in Europe. Mnuchin's request was denied. The treasury department’s inspector general investigated Mnuchin’s request for a US air force plane, with a reported operating cost of around $25,000 per hour, to transport him and his wife, Louise Linton, on their honeymoon to Scotland, France and Italy. Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, sought the military jet to ensure he had a secure line of communication but aborted the request after it became clear there were other ways to maintain contact.
Mnuchin's request for a government jet for his honeymoon caused controversy and sparked an inquiry from the Department's Inspector General. The inspector general's investigation also reviewed Mnuchin and Linton's use of a military jet to fly to Louisville and Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the solar eclipse. Mnuchin denied that the Kentucky trip was planned to coincide with the eclipse, but the media focused on the trip after Linton's controversial Instagram post.
Mnuchin's request for a government jet for his honeymoon was criticised by Democrats, who called it a "misuse of government resources". Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said, "You don't need a giant rulebook of government requirements to just say to yourself, 'This is common sense, it's wrong'". Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, also weighed in on the controversy, stating that "Americans deserve more information to determine whether there has been misuse of government resources".
Mnuchin defended his request for a government jet, stating that as a member of the United States National Security Council, he needed access to secure communications during his honeymoon. He also emphasised that he never intended for the government to pay for his personal travel and that the request was made to ensure he could fulfil his duties while away. However, critics argued that Mnuchin's justification was weak and that secure communications could be maintained without the use of a private plane.
In conclusion, Mnuchin's request for a government jet for his honeymoon was denied, and the incident sparked inquiries and criticism regarding the potential misuse of government resources. The controversy surrounding Mnuchin's honeymoon travel added to the scrutiny the secretary and his wife, Linton, faced for their use of government aircraft and their display of wealth.
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The honeymoon took place in Europe
The honeymoon of US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and his wife, Louise Linton, took place in Europe. The couple visited Scotland, France and Italy. Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, requested the use of a US Air Force plane for his honeymoon, which would have cost around $25,000 per hour. He argued that he needed access to a secure line of communication as a member of the United States National Security Council. However, Mnuchin's request was denied, and the couple did not use a government jet for their honeymoon travels.
The controversy surrounding Mnuchin's honeymoon request came amid scrutiny of the couple's other travels. Mnuchin and Linton had previously travelled to Fort Knox, Kentucky, on a government plane, coinciding with the solar eclipse. This trip sparked criticism and accusations of misusing government resources. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington sued the treasury for the release of documents related to the Kentucky trip.
Linton, a British actor, also faced backlash for her social media behaviour. She posted a photo on Instagram showcasing luxury designer brands she wore while disembarking from the military jet during the Kentucky trip. When another user challenged her, Linton responded defensively, questioning whether people assumed the US government funded their honeymoon or personal travel. Linton later apologised, claiming she was unaware of her husband's request for government travel for their honeymoon before posting.
Despite the denial of his honeymoon request, Mnuchin defended his actions, stating that he inquired about a government plane as a matter of national security. He claimed it would serve as a "portable office" to ensure his availability in case of an emergency. However, critics, including Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee, characterised his actions as "penny-ante corruption" and a misuse of government resources.
In conclusion, the Mnuchin-Linton honeymoon in Europe sparked controversy due to the initial request for a government jet, which was ultimately denied. This incident, along with other instances of their travels, led to scrutiny and criticism of the couple's conduct, particularly regarding their use of government resources and the perception of entitlement.
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The trip included Scotland, France and Italy
Steven Mnuchin, the former US treasury secretary, and his wife, Louise Linton, travelled to Scotland, France, and Italy for their honeymoon. The couple initially requested a US Air Force plane to transport them on their honeymoon, which would have cost \$25,000 per hour. However, after facing criticism and an inquiry from the Department's Inspector General, Mnuchin withdrew his request and opted for alternative means of transportation.
The honeymoon sparked controversy due to the couple's wealth and Mnuchin's position in the cabinet. Linton, a British actor, caused further backlash when she posted a photo on Instagram showcasing luxury designer items she was wearing during the trip. In addition, Mnuchin's request for a government jet raised concerns about the misuse of government resources and was seen as an attempt to get a "'free ride'".
Despite the criticism, Mnuchin defended his actions, stating that he needed access to secure communications as a member of the National Security Council. He also mentioned that he had never asked the government to pay for his personal travel and that the request for the jet was made to ensure he could remain available in case of a national security emergency.
The trip to Europe included visits to scenic and culturally rich destinations in Scotland, France, and Italy. The couple likely enjoyed the beauty and charm that these countries have to offer, creating memorable experiences to mark the beginning of their married life together.
Overall, the Mnuchin-Linton honeymoon attracted significant media attention, with the couple's actions being scrutinized by the public and sparking debates about the appropriate use of government resources and the display of wealth by government officials.
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Frequently asked questions
Steven Mnuchin and his wife, Louise Linton, honeymooned in Europe, visiting Scotland, France, and Italy.
Steven Mnuchin requested the use of a government jet for his honeymoon, which would have cost \$25,000 per hour.
No, Mnuchin's request for the jet was denied and he withdrew his request after it became clear there were other ways to maintain contact.
Steven Mnuchin is an American investment banker and film producer who served as the 77th United States secretary of the treasury from 2017 to 2021.
Louise Linton is the wife of Steven Mnuchin. She is a British actor and author.
