President Biden touched down in St. Croix for a holiday retreat in late December, staying at a shoreline property belonging to a well-heeled backer. The timing of this vacation drew attention, as it marked his final free presidential stay amid growing questions about his pattern of accepting gratis accommodations from affluent business figures.
President Biden, 82, First Lady Jill Biden, and their daughter Ashley Biden arrived on Air Force One and went directly to the home of software company executives Bill and Connie Neville. Their property boasts an in-ground pool, direct beach access, and stunning views. The villa usually costs around $900 per night on VRBO, a vacation rental platform.
The Biden family has made it a tradition to visit this residence annually, marking their third consecutive New Year’s holiday in St. Croix. President Biden expressed his hope to return the following year during the previous year’s visit.
The Nevilles, who run the US Viking software company and developed the ENPS content platform marketed by The Associated Press, were invited to President Biden’s first state dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, just 26 days before the Bidens’ first presidential visit to their St. Croix home.
Throughout his presidency, Biden has enjoyed several stays at properties of wealthy supporters without any charges. These include four stays during the week of Thanksgiving at David Rubenstein’s compound in Nantucket, Massachusetts; a five-day stay at medical technology billionaire Joe Kiani’s ranch in California; and a nine-day stay at climate investor Tom Steyer’s waterfront retreat in Lake Tahoe Nevada.
The controversy centers on President Biden’s undisclosed vacation property stays and their legal implications. At issue is whether these accommodations should have been reported on federal ethics forms, with critics pointing to potential violations of 18 US Code § 1001, which carries a maximum five-year prison sentence for intentional omissions. The White House believes existing federal regulations lack clarity regarding the reporting requirements for such stays.
The House Oversight Committee calls for reforms to federal ethics laws to increase transparency. Committee Chair James Comer stressed the need for more accountability to the American public regarding these arrangements between government officials and wealthy backers.
In August 2023, the Biden family’s stay at Tom Steyer’s Lake Tahoe property drew attention when the White House initially stated the Bidens would pay for their accommodation. It prompted a local investigation into Steyer’s lack of a rental permit, which was later dropped without explanation.
The trend of accepting unpaid stays started earlier in Biden’s presidency when his family directly requested Maria Allwin, the widow of a prominent hedge fund operator, to use her vacation mansion in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, without payment.
Joe Kiani, who hosted the Bidens at his California ranch for five days, has received significant government contracts during the Biden administration. Kiani was also appointed by Biden to an advisory board, prompting Republican critiques about the connection between the free stays and access to the government.
A conservative oversight organization, The Center for Renewing America, has filed a formal grievance with the DOJ regarding unreported accommodation stays. The complaint centers on alleged violations of the 1978 Ethics in Government Act, which requires federal officials to disclose such received benefits.
Ethics experts suggest that unless the homeowners were personal friends of the Bidens and present during the stays, the vacations should have been reported on official disclosure forms. The White House has defended Biden’s transparency record, stating he has implemented the “strongest ethics rules in history.”
The St. Croix property of the Nevilles, where the Bidens were currently staying, was used in promotional materials highlighting Biden’s visits during his vice presidency. Unlike his predecessor, Donald Trump, who frequently stayed at his properties, raising distinct ethical issues, Biden has consistently sought lodgings with notable supporters.
David Rubenstein, whose Nantucket, Massachusetts compound has accommodated the Bidens for four Thanksgiving-week stays, was invited by the President to speak at a Washington lunch in September. Although these stays are believed to be unpaid, neither party has confirmed the arrangements.
Reports indicate that Biden has taken over 500 vacation days, accounting for around 40% of his time in office. It is equivalent to about 48 years’ worth of vacation for the average American worker, who typically gets 11 days off annually.
Concerns have been raised about the President’s frequent absences, particularly during national and international challenges. As Mark Paoletta, former general counsel of the White House budget office under President Donald Trump, stated, “The image of Biden fast asleep and lying flat on his back in his chair at the beach while America and the world is on fire will define the Biden presidency.”
For comparison, former President Donald Trump spent approximately 26% of his presidency on personal trips, totaling around 380 days. Other previous presidents, like Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, each spent about 11% of their presidencies on vacation. At the same time, Jimmy Carter took only 79 days off during his single term, accounting for 5% of his tenure.
White House aides argue that President Biden continues to work remotely and remains on call during his vacations. As a White House spokesperson, Andrew Bates said, “Presidents of the United States are constantly on the job, regardless of their location; whether they’re on a state visit overseas or just 100 miles from the White House for a short trip to Wilmington.”
The issue of presidential vacations has always been a topic of debate. Historically, presidents have taken time away from the White House, trying to balance office demands with personal time. However, these absences often become the focus of public and political discussions.
