On Thursday, December 26, U.S. President Joe Biden, along with his family, arrived in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, for a vacation at a beachfront villa owned by a wealthy supporter. This could potentially be his last unpaid presidential vacation, amidst increased scrutiny over his habit of accepting complimentary lodgings from rich businesspersons.
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. During the previous year’s visit, President Biden expressed his hope to return the next year.
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.
Some critics argue that Biden’s failure to report these stays on his annual ethics forms could break federal law. Under 18 U.S. Code § 1001, intentionally omitting gifts from federal disclosure forms is punishable by up to five years in prison. However, the White House argues that the current federal law is unclear about the reporting requirements for such accommodations.
The House Oversight Committee is calling for reforms to federal ethics laws to increase transparency in these matters. 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. This 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.
The Center for Renewing America, a conservative watchdog group, has lodged a complaint with the Department of Justice about these undisclosed stays. The complaint specifically references the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which mandates federal officeholders to report such 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 are 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 own 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. This is equivalent to about 48 years’ worth of vacation for the average American worker, who typically gets 11 days off per year.
Concerns have been raised about the President’s frequent absences, particularly during times of 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, while 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 Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, 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 the demands of the office with personal time. However, these absences often become the focus of public and political discussions.
