President Joe Biden marked Thanksgiving by visiting firefighters in Nantucket, delivering pumpkin pies and sharing thoughts on national and international issues. Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden and their grandson Baby Beau, Biden blended holiday cheer with serious discussions about tariffs, media challenges, and U.S. diplomacy.
Delivering Pies and Taking Questions
The Bidens began their day by visiting the Nantucket Fire Department to thank local first responders. As they handed out pumpkin pies, the president paused to take questions from reporters.
Speaking on the holiday season, Biden expressed gratitude for his family, recent progress in global diplomacy, and the peaceful transition of the presidency.
“I’m thankful for my family, for the chance to serve the country, and for the progress we’ve made in the Middle East,” he said, referencing a recent peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon announced earlier in the week.
Biden Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Plans
The president voiced strong concerns about former President Donald Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump has proposed a 25% tax on all goods entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, aiming to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He has also suggested adding a 10% tariff on Chinese goods to pressure China into stopping the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
Biden described Trump’s approach as harmful to relationships with key allies.
“I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s counterproductive. The last thing we need is to damage relationships with Canada and Mexico,” Biden said.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with neighboring countries, adding,
“We’re surrounded by two oceans and two allies—Mexico and Canada. Let’s not screw up these vital partnerships.”
International Reactions
Trump’s proposed tariffs have drawn sharp criticism from Canada and Mexico. Canadian officials warned of potential retaliation, stating that they would have no choice but to respond if the tariffs are implemented.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also pushed back, pointing to the U.S.’s role in supplying illegal firearms to Mexico.
“Seventy percent of illegal weapons seized from criminals in Mexico come from your country,” she said in response to Trump’s comments.
Meanwhile, Biden noted that Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, have shown a more cautious approach. The U.S. and China recently established direct communication lines between their leaders and military officials to prevent misunderstandings.
“One thing I know about Xi is that he doesn’t want to make a mistake. I sincerely believe he’ll take a measured approach,” Biden explained.
Reflections on Media and Public Concerns
Addressing broader concerns about the state of the country, Biden criticized the media for focusing too much on negative stories.
“You turn on the television, and everything looks bad. Even good news doesn’t seem to sell well,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that this negativity can affect people’s perception of the nation’s progress but emphasized his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.
“I want this transition to go smoothly,” Biden said, referring to the upcoming change in the Oval Office.
A 49-Year Thanksgiving Tradition
The Biden family has spent Thanksgiving on Nantucket for nearly five decades. This year, they stayed at a luxurious $34 million waterfront property owned by billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein. The sprawling 13-acre estate features a 13,000-square-foot house, a private beach, tennis court, swimming pool, and dock.
Jill Biden reflected on their longstanding tradition, telling firefighters,
“This is our 49th year coming to Nantucket. It’s a special place for our family.”
The tradition began in 1975 when Joe and Jill Biden spent their first Thanksgiving together with his young sons, Beau and Hunter, shortly after they started dating. Over the years, the island has become a cherished part of their family history.
A Personal Touch at the Fire Station
During their visit to the Nantucket Fire Department, Baby Beau asked Fire Chief Michael Cranson for a firefighter’s hat for his father, Hunter Biden. The chief happily obliged, providing two hats—one for Beau and one for the president.
In a lighthearted moment, Biden removed his baseball cap bearing the presidential seal and replaced it with the firefighter’s hat, joking,
“I’m a union guy.”
The Bidens spent about 20 minutes chatting with firefighters before heading to their holiday dinner.
Family Gatherings and Memories
Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa, joined the Bidens for Thanksgiving, though they did not visit the fire station. Ashley Biden, the president’s daughter, was also present on the island. She and Jill Biden spent time shopping in downtown Nantucket earlier in the week.
Despite their long-standing tradition, the Bidens have missed a few Thanksgivings in Nantucket, including one in 2015, shortly after Beau Biden’s death, and in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The president has often spoken about how Nantucket holds special meaning for his family, recounting in his memoir Promise Me, Dad how their first Thanksgiving on the island helped create lasting memories.
As the sun set over the tranquil waters of Nantucket’s harbor, the Bidens prepared for a quiet family dinner, cherishing the island tradition they’ve maintained for nearly half a century.
