Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mrs. Overall

(6,839 posts)
Fri Sep 14, 2018, 09:34 AM Sep 2018

State Dept spent more than $52K on Nikki Haley's apartment curtains (while making budget cuts)

New curtains installed last year in the official residence of Nikki Haley, President Trump's ambassador to the U.N., cost the Trump administration more than $50,000 at a time when the State Department was facing budget cuts and a hiring freeze.

The New York Times reports that the curtains, installed last year in Haley's New York residence, cost $29,000, while a motorized opener for the curtains cost another $22,801. While the installation occurred during Haley's tenure as ambassador, a spokesman told the Times that the purchase decision was made during the Obama administration in 2016.

Patrick Kennedy, a top State Department official under the Obama administration, defended the purchase to the Times, noting that Haley only has one part-time staffer at the residence.

“All she’s got is a part-time maid, and the ability to open and close the curtains quickly is important,” Kennedy told the newspaper.

Other Obama-era officials were more critical, questioning why such a purchase was made when the agency faced budget cuts. “How can you, on the one hand, tell diplomats that basic needs cannot be met and, on the other hand, spend more than $50,000 on a customized curtain system for the ambassador to the U.N.?” asked Brett Bruen, an Obama White House aide.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/406659-state-dept-spent-more-than-52k-on-nikki-haleys-apartment-curtains

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
State Dept spent more than $52K on Nikki Haley's apartment curtains (while making budget cuts) (Original Post) Mrs. Overall Sep 2018 OP
Not funny that they're Faux pas Sep 2018 #1
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»State Dept spent more tha...