NANTUCKET, Mass.—Joe Biden is concluding his final Thanksgiving holiday as president on Nantucket, a long-standing family tradition that signifies the end of his time in the White House.
His presidency, sandwiched between the terms of Republican Donald Trump, has been marked by notable events such as Cabinet nominations, tariff threats, and lavish gatherings at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida club, which have captivated the public’s attention since the November election. Biden withdrew from the presidential race in July and was replaced on the ticket by Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost to Trump.
During his five-day stay on the picturesque Massachusetts island with its charming wood shingle homes and seashell-covered beaches, the 82-year-old president grappled with questions surrounding his legacy. He is set to return to Washington later on Saturday, then depart for Angola the following day for his sole visit to Africa during his tenure.
As Biden and his family strolled along Nantucket’s quaint brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets on Friday, passersby showered them with affectionate words, shouting “We love you, Joe.” Accompanying the president were his daughter, Ashley, his son, Hunter, and Hunter’s 4-year-old son, Beau.
(L–R) President Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden, daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen Biden, and grandson Beau Biden leave a book store as they walk in downtown Nantucket, Mass., on Nov. 29, 2024. Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo
When asked on Thanksgiving Day what he was grateful for, Biden responded, “I’m thankful for a peaceful transition of the presidency.”
He also expressed gratitude for his family, the recent cease-fire between Israel and the Hezbollah terrorist group in Lebanon, and the potential for further advancements in the Middle East. Despite his recent avoidance of reporters’ questions, the president engaged on various topics related to Trump and policy.
He indicated that the slim Republican majority in the upcoming Congress will necessitate Trump to compromise on his agenda. Biden remarked, “I think there may be a bit of internal reckoning.”
Furthermore, Biden expressed hope that Trump would reconsider his tariff threats against Mexico and Canada, key American trading partners.
“We’re bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies: Mexico and Canada,” Biden noted. “The last thing we want is to jeopardize those relationships. I believe we’ve managed them well.”
Recently, Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, his intention to impose 25 percent tariffs on both countries until they address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the U.S. border. This proclamation prompted Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to engage in a phone discussion with Trump, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fly to Florida for a meeting on Friday.
Following the phone call, Sheinbaum expressed confidence that the tariffs would be avoided, emphasizing that Mexico has already taken steps to resolve the concerns raised by Trump, a sentiment echoed by Biden.
Trump has also threatened an additional 10 percent tariff on China unless it halts the export of materials used in producing the drug fentanyl.
On Thanksgiving Day, Biden visited a fire station with his wife, Jill, and grandson Beau to deliver pumpkin pies. The first lady shared with firefighters and police officers that the family has been celebrating Thanksgiving in Nantucket since 1975, a tradition affectionately referred to as “nana-tucket” in honor of her pivotal role in establishing it.
The firefighters presented the Bidens with baseball caps, which the president donned, asking his grandson for feedback.
“It looks good,” the grandson replied, declining when Biden inquired if he aspired to be a firefighter.
Later that day, the Biden family enjoyed lunch at the Brotherhood of Thieves restaurant, visited Nantucket Bookworks, an art gallery, and several other shops. The afternoon concluded with the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting and caroling, with crowds capturing moments of a smiling Biden.
This year’s holiday holds sentimental significance amidst some family turmoil.
In December, Hunter Biden is set to be sentenced on three felonies related to a 2018 gun purchase, where prosecutors allege he falsified information on a federal form by denying illegal drug use or addiction. Additionally, he faces sentencing in California for federal tax offenses he admitted to in September.
President Biden has previously stated that he will not grant his son a pardon or commute any potential sentence.
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