NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — President Joe Biden wasn’t all business on Friday in this beautiful Massachusetts island.
After spending the day in briefings with national security aides and delivering remarks on the release of hostages in Gaza, President Biden joined in traditional post-Thanksgiving festivities with his family and locals in Nantucket.
Despite the delayed family lunch, the Bidens enjoyed their meal at the cozy bar and grill, Brotherhood of Thieves. The president then embarked on a shopping outing.
Among his stops was Nantucket Books, where First Lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley were browsing. President Biden left carrying a copy of “Democracy Awakening” by historian Heather Cox Richardson.
He then visited Craftmasters of Nantucket and the Jeweler’s Gallery, greeted by cheering crowds and birthday well-wishes as he walked through town.
The Bidens concluded the outing at Nantucket’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Throughout his visit, President Biden was also met with pro-Palestine protesters, whose chants were directed at him, although it was unclear if President Biden heard the group. An official urged the protesters to stop, considering the event’s non-political nature.
For the Biden family, Nantucket has been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades, starting in the mid-1970s with young sons Beau and Hunter.
As in past years, the Bidens stayed at an expansive compound owned by billionaire businessman David Rubenstein, according to the White House.
