Biden’s Thanksgiving Marks the Beginning of a Farewell as Trump’s White House Return Looms Closer

NANTUCKET, Mass.—Joe Biden is concluding his final Thanksgiving holiday as president on Nantucket, continuing a family tradition that feels like a farewell to his time in the White House.

The Democrat served four years as president in between the terms of Republican Donald Trump, whose actions and events have garnered public attention since the November election. Biden exited the presidential race in July, making way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place on the ticket, ultimately losing to Trump.

During his five-day stay on the picturesque Massachusetts island with its charming homes and sandy beaches, the 82-year-old Biden grappled with questions about his legacy. He planned to head back to Washington later on Saturday and then depart for Angola the following day for his sole visit to Africa as president.

On Friday, as Biden and his family wandered the charming streets of Nantucket that make it a sought-after summer destination, onlookers shouted words of support. Biden’s company included his daughter, Ashley, son, Hunter, and Hunter’s four-year-old son, Beau.

On Thanksgiving Day, Biden, when asked by reporters about his gratitude, expressed thanks for a peaceful transition of the presidency.

He also mentioned his appreciation for his family, the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and the potential progress in the Middle East. Biden, who has been largely avoiding questions from the press, engaged in discussions about Trump and policy matters.

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Biden remarked that with Republicans holding narrow margins of power in the upcoming Congress, Trump would need to make compromises to advance his agenda.

“I think there may be a bit of internal reflection,” Biden stated.

He also expressed hope that Trump would reconsider his tariff threats against Mexico and Canada, important American trading partners.

“Surrounded by two oceans and two allies, Mexico and Canada,” Biden said. “It’s crucial we don’t jeopardize those relationships. I believe we are in a good place.”

Prior to this, Trump had vowed on his social platform, Truth Social, to enforce 25% tariffs on both countries until they addressed issues related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking across their borders with the United States. This led to discussions with the Mexican President and a visit from the Canadian Prime Minister.

Following the conversations, the Mexican President was optimistic the tariffs could be avoided, as Mexico had already taken steps to address the concerns, a point also emphasized by Biden.

Trump also threatened a 10% tariff on China unless it stopped exporting materials used in making the drug fentanyl.

On Thanksgiving Day, Biden visited a fire station with his wife and grandson to distribute pumpkin pies. Mrs. Biden shared that their family had been celebrating Thanksgiving in Nantucket since 1975, a tradition fondly referred to as “nana-tucket” to honor her key role in establishing it.

The firefighters presented the Bidens with baseball caps, with the President trying one on and asking his grandson for feedback.

“It looks good,” replied the grandson, declining the invitation to become a firefighter.

On Friday, the Biden family dined at the Brotherhood of Thieves restaurant, visited Nantucket Bookworks, an art gallery, and various shops, concluding the day with the ceremonial Christmas tree lighting as carolers performed and crowds captured the moment on camera.

This year’s Thanksgiving holds additional significance as a break from some family troubles.

In December, Hunter Biden is set to be sentenced on three felonies related to a gun purchase in 2018, where he supposedly lied about drug use on a federal form. He also faces sentencing in California for federal tax crimes he admitted to in September.

The President has previously stated that he will not pardon or commute his son’s sentence.