Barack Obama Earns $3 Million for Speech in Milan

Since leaving office in January, former President Barack Obama has made no secret of his desire to rake in millions of dollars in his post-White House life.

In February, the Obamas signed a massive book deal, worth approximately $60 million, which shattered what previous presidents earned for book deals: Bill Clinton earned $15 million and George W. Bush received $10 million.

The former president is also set to earn $400,000 to address a Wall Street bank despite railing against “fat cat bankers” during his time in office.  Well, it appears as though Obama’s massive payday is not over, as he reportedly earned $3 million for a sold-out speech in Milan on Tuesday.

From The Express:

Obama will reportedly pocket a staggering £2.5million (€3million) today for delivering a speech to a sold-out audience in Milan as part of his lucrative post-presidential speaking tour.

The former President, who has already earned hundreds of thousands of dollars for private speeches since leaving the White House, will make his highest-paying appearance yet at the Global Food Innovation Summit today.

President Obama flew into Italy’s business capital yesterday, and according to local media headed straight for the extravagant Park Hyatt hotel, which can cost up to £7,100 (€8,400) a night. After bringing the city to a standstill with a convoy of 14 cars, a helicopter and a 300-strong police escort, President Obama’s entourage reportedly took over two floors of the hotel.

President Obama will give his speech in Milan at Seeds and Chips, a conference on the impact that technology, innovation and climate change will have on food availability and production worldwide. After the address, he will take part in a conversation with Sam Kass, the Obamas’ White House chef who also helped run Michelle Obama’s public health campaign.

In a move designed to address past presidents scoring lucrative pay days after leaving office, Congressman Jason Chaffetz has suggested that Congress reduce dollar-for-dollar if a former president earns more than $400,000 per year in outside income. This very piece of legislation received bipartisan support several years ago but Barack Obama conveniently vetoed the bill, claiming it would have serious repercussions for future presidents.

Rather than giving back to this country, Barack Obama seems perfectly content flying around in private jets while getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars. The presidency shouldn’t be viewed as a gateway to a massive payday, but it seems as though Barack and Michelle Obama are eager to earn millions of dollars writing books and talking to liberal audiences.

Are you shocked that Obama would earn $3 million for one speech? Should Congress cut his pension as a result of his massive payday? Share your thoughts below! 

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