White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes says the president will get "great bang for the buck" out of his Africa trip later this month:

Rhodes says there'll be "a great bang for the buck" for US foreign policy as a result of Pres Obama's trip to Africa at month's end.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller)
June 14, 2013

Despite high costs, NSC/Rhodes defends Pres Obama's upcoming trip to Africa. Says US would cede leadership there if Obama didn't go.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller)
June 14, 2013

The trip could cost up to $100 million, the Washington Post reported yesterday. "Obama’s trip could cost the federal government $60 million to $100 million based on the costs of similar African trips in recent years, according to one person familiar with the journey who was not authorized to speak for attribution. The Secret Service planning document, which was provided to The Post by a person who is concerned about the amount of resources necessary for the trip, does not specify costs."