Biden final Thanksgiving/ Nantucket holiday tradition/ Trump tariffs criticism/ Hunter Biden legal issues/ presidential transition 2024/ NANTUCKET/ Mass./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden spent Thanksgiving on Nantucket, reflecting on his presidency as he prepares to transition power to Donald Trump. Amid discussions of his legacy, Biden emphasized gratitude for a peaceful transfer of power, while addressing Trump’s trade threats and foreign policy challenges.
Biden’s Final Thanksgiving as President: Quick Looks
- Location: Biden celebrated Thanksgiving in Nantucket with family, continuing a decades-long tradition.
- Transition: The holiday served as part of a broader farewell as Donald Trump prepares to take office.
- Reflections: Biden expressed gratitude for family, peace in the Middle East, and a smooth transition of power.
- Trade Concerns: Biden criticized Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, urging diplomacy instead.
- Family Dynamics: Hunter Biden’s legal troubles loomed, adding emotional weight to this year’s gathering.
Biden Reflects on Legacy During Nantucket Thanksgiving Farewell
Deep Look: Biden’s Nantucket Thanksgiving Marks Transition to Trump Presidency
President Joe Biden spent his last Thanksgiving in office on the picturesque island of Nantucket, a cherished family tradition since 1975. This year’s celebration carried an air of reflection and farewell, as the 82-year-old president prepares to cede the White House to Donald Trump following a contentious election season.
A Tradition of Gratitude
Biden’s holiday included walks through Nantucket’s cobblestone streets, stops at local shops, and delivering pumpkin pies to first responders with his wife, Jill, and grandson Beau. The Bidens joined carolers for the island’s ceremonial Christmas tree lighting, with onlookers capturing moments of the president’s beaming smiles.
“This holiday is always special for our family,” Jill Biden said, recalling nearly five decades of Thanksgiving visits to Nantucket, lovingly dubbed “nana-tucket” by the family.
When asked what he was most thankful for, Biden responded, “I’m thankful for a peaceful transition of the presidency.”
Diplomatic and Policy Challenges
The president addressed several pressing issues during his stay, including the trade and foreign policy challenges raised by Trump’s incoming administration.
“The last thing we need is to screw up these relationships,” Biden said, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong ties with Mexico and Canada.
On China, Biden expressed confidence that Chinese President Xi Jinping understands the stakes in maintaining stable relations with the U.S. Trump’s proposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, aimed at curbing fentanyl exports, add further tension to an already fraught bilateral relationship.
“I’m not saying Xi is our best buddy,” Biden remarked, “but he understands what’s at stake.”
Reflections on Legacy
Biden used the holiday to weigh in on the dynamics of the next Congress, which will see Republicans with razor-thin margins of control. He suggested that Trump’s agenda would require compromises.
“I think there may be a little bit of internal reckoning,” Biden said, hinting at potential divisions within the Republican Party.
A Tumultuous Year for the Biden Family
This year’s holiday was tinged with family challenges, most notably Hunter Biden’s legal troubles. Hunter, the president’s son, faces sentencing in December on federal tax and gun charges.
Biden has previously stated that he will not pardon his son or commute his sentence, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Despite the personal and political turbulence, Biden’s focus remained on gratitude and legacy. The holiday served as a poignant reminder of his time in office and the values he sought to uphold during his presidency.
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