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Two former ambassadors also criticized the EPA's reasoning for the upgraded flights, saying that they traveled in economy class and without security even when traveling internationally.

I call BS. “He was approached in the airport numerous times”—NOT on plane. So buy an airport club membership for $300/year & wait there. (That’s what I did as ambassador—& I paid.) On plane, he can sit at window, next 2security. There’s no danger AT ALL. https://t.co/arzCfCEvN5

— Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) February 16, 2018

Ambassadors are routinely recognized and engaged as we board 14 hour flights... in economy with no security. Some Ambs coming from countries hostile to the US. I join your BS call @NormEisen https://t.co/ShF8lhPGeQ

— Dana Shell Smith (@AmbDana) February 16, 2018

Chris Lu, who was deputy labor secretary under President Barack Obama, told The Washington Post that no Obama Cabinet members were given waivers to travel first class under the previous administration.

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