Staff Reports
The Bidens are currently indulging in extravagant vacation residences furnished by their politically influential and affluent acquaintances. President Joe Biden, who recently turned 81, has been embarking on an extensive nationwide tour, spending his vacations at opulent estates that are under the ownership of prominent figures in American politics. The first couple appears to be embarking on an interminable luxurious house tour, stopping by renowned locations such as St. Croix, Lake Tahoe, Nantucket, and Kiawah Island. It is illogical to own a vacation home when one has influential acquaintances, correct?
No ordinary Joe: A look back at Biden’s $84M in vacation stays thanks to some of America’s richest people https://t.co/YNk6xdquK4 pic.twitter.com/vjrPdTPE9z
— New York Post (@nypost) November 22, 2023
Commence with Nantucket, where the Bidens have been annually visiting the waterfront estate of private equity magnate David Rubenstein. This tennis court, swimming pool, and 13,000-square-foot sanctuary situated on a 14-acre private compound are ideal amenities for the presidential family's vacation retreat. Rubenstein visits the picturesque domicile a mere twelve times per year, which further emphasizes the privileged nature of this retreat. Biden's association with Nantucket predates his tenure as a United States senator; recent records suggest he has been a tenant at Rubenstein's residence since 2014; the property was kindly donated to the Bidens for the upcoming holiday season. How magnanimous of a present!
The Bidens then traveled to Lake Tahoe, where they spent nearly a week at the waterfront estate of Tom Steyer, Biden's 2020 Democratic primary opponent. Not just any estate, mind you; nested within the exclusive Glenbrook community, this expansive waterfront sanctuary costing $20 million. By making this opulent retreat a family affair, the Bidens took advantage of the lakeside gazebo, direct access to the sandy shoreline, and unparalleled amenities. In addition, although the White House was fast to clarify that the Bidens were not receiving preferential treatment, sources close to the matter disclosed that they probably paid significantly less than "fair market value." It appears they have some close acquaintances in positions of authority, indeed.
Additionally, the Bidens spent a week at the magnificent nine-bedroom estate owned by Maria Allwin, a prominent Democratic donor, on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. Set amidst the privileged Kiawah Island neighborhood, this 10,500-square-foot beachfront paradise exudes grandeur and splendor. In addition, the Bidens were not required to spend a dime on this extravagant vacation. The magnificent retreat owned by Allwin, which featured a saltwater pool and breathtaking ocean vistas, served as the ideal setting for the Bidens' extravagant vacation. It's as though they've won the vacation jackpot!
Furthermore, it is important to recall the Bidens' New Year's vacation in the US Virgin Islands, during which they unwinded in a three-bedroom villa that is privately owned by billionaire Democratic donors Bill and Connie Neville. This complimentary Caribbean haven, basked in the sun, furnished the ideal sanctuary for the initial couple. The Neville estate, situated in a secluded neighborhood and featuring its own stretch of sandy shoreline, provided an ideal setting for the Bidens' traditional New Year's ceremony. We could all use that money to fly to the mansions of billionaires for gratis.
The attention these vacation antics have received has not been without cause; ethical concerns have been raised in relation to Biden's omission of these accommodations as gifts on his financial disclosure forms. Presumably, these undisclosed retreats, facilitated by politically connected and affluent hosts, have generated accusations of evading transparency standards. Experts in ethics have further underscored the importance of divulging information regarding these stays, particularly in cases where the proprietor is absent. It is unsurprising that the Bidens are encountering criticism due to their concealed travels and lack of transparency.
The scrutiny surrounding Biden's undisclosed stays appears unlikely to diminish in the near future, particularly in light of inquiries regarding unreported vacations throughout his vice presidential term and beyond. Rubenstein's Nantucket mansion, where Biden recently spent his most recent vacation, has allegedly been the location of undisclosed accommodations. It is unsurprising that administration representatives have declined requests for comment regarding this matter. Why, after all, should one pay for a vacation when companions are willing to foot the bill?
