President Joe Biden and his family left the White House on Wednesday to celebrate Thanksgiving with billionaire David Rubenstein at his $20 million 13-acre property in Nantucket, Mass. The Biden family departed for Nantucket hours after the president said Americans should “maintain perspective” amid economic challenges and have “a lot to be proud of.”
During remarks on the economy on Tuesday, Biden said, “I will do what needs to be done to reduce the price you pay at the pump — from the middle-class and working families that are spending much too much, and it’s a strain. And they’re -– you’re the reason I was sent here: to look out for you.
Biden delivered those remarks amid concerns about inflation and delays in supply chains around the country, as well as the highest oil prices in seven years.
Biden went on to say, “Even as we meet — even as we meet to work out this challenge, it’s important to maintain perspective about where our economy stands today. The fact is, America has a lot to be proud of. We’re experiencing the strongest economic recovery in the world.”
After delivering those remarks, White House pool reports indicated Biden and his family would be leaving later on Tuesday for Nantucket and his family would be expected to stay at Rubenstein’s vacation home. First Lady Jill Biden; children Hunter and Ashley Biden; Hunter’s wife Melissa; grandchildren Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy, Natalie, Hunter, and Beau Biden; and Naomi’s fiancé, Peter Neal, would all be traveling to Nantucket.
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy questioned Biden’s vacation plans during a Tuesday evening press briefing by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
“What message does it send to the middle-class Americans President Biden says that he’s trying to help, who are struggling this week to cover the cost of the most expensive Thanksgiving ever, that the President is going to take a few days off at a billionaire’s compound in Nantucket?” Doocy asked.
Psaki responded by saying the price of a 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey is about a dollar more than previous years. “So, not to minimize that — any increase in prices is something the President is concerned about, as is evidenced by his announcement today and as his efforts to push forward on additional relief for the American people. But I just want to be clear that there are an abundance of turkeys available.”
“But the President said today that he was ‘sent here’ to look out for these working- and middle-class families who are strained right now,” Doocy continued. “So, what should they read into him leaving now at this time of great personal and financial hardship for so many to go to Nantucket for the week?”
Psaki replied, “Well, first, I would say, Peter, that I hope you’re spending time with your family. I’m spending time with my family, and I hope everybody in here is spending time with their families. This is a time to put politics aside, spend time with your loved ones, and talk about what you’re grateful for.”
Psaki also assured that Biden can continue to carry out his work while on vacation.
