As President Joe Biden enjoys his second week of vacation, questions about who is running the country have sparked a lively discussion. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby swiftly dismissed concerns when asked during a briefing, emphasizing that Biden remains fully in control, despite being away from the White House. Kirby underscored the point by highlighting Biden’s ongoing communication with world leaders, including a recent conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and another with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These interactions, Kirby insisted, are clear evidence that the president is still very much engaged in his duties.
Biden, now 81, is spending time at his beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware, after a previous week at a sprawling 8,000-acre ranch in Santa Ynez, California. This vacation marks his 114th visit to Delaware since taking office, a notable increase compared to former President Donald Trump’s time away from the White House. The White House maintains that Biden can perform his presidential responsibilities from any location, a point they stress to counter any criticism of his frequent time away from Washington, D.C.
Vice President Kamala Harris remains in Washington, D.C., with a relatively light schedule until she embarks on a campaign trip to Georgia. While Biden is away, his administration insists that his ability to govern is not diminished. Staff members from the National Security Council and the chief of staff’s office accompany the president to keep him informed and up-to-date on both foreign and domestic matters.
Meanwhile, former President Trump seized the spotlight with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, marking the third anniversary of the deadly bombing outside Kabul airport during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Accompanied by veterans and families of the fallen, Trump laid wreaths and honored the 13 American service members who lost their lives in the attack. The event also provided Trump with an opportunity to criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which he has labeled “the most embarrassing moment in our history.”
As the nation reflects on the somber anniversary, the Biden administration has responded by reiterating its commitment to supporting military families, though some have expressed frustration over a lack of direct outreach. The White House released statements from both Biden and Harris, but their absence during this time has not gone unnoticed.
With Biden’s vacation continuing, and Trump actively engaging with supporters and military families, the contrast between the current and former presidents is stark. Each is navigating this period in their own way, with Biden focusing on his responsibilities from afar, while Trump makes public gestures to connect with key voter groups ahead of the next election.
But check out what happened when First Lady Jill Biden wanted to go shopping.
WATCH Jill Biden's Secret Service roughly clear the people so she, Ashley and Hunter could shop while on vacation in Los Olivos, California with local police protection as well. 🤦♀️ Remember how Jill described feeling "POWER" as they clear freeways for her.😠 pic.twitter.com/1TAPPlKbgP
— Joni Job (@jj_talking) August 26, 2024
Now contrast that with a new probe examining why the heck a lead agent on a Trump detail brought her newborn to a rally and left her post to breast feed.
