President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are carrying on a cherished Thanksgiving ritual with their return to Nantucket. This island retreat has been an annual tradition for the couple for over four decades, with only two exceptions—once during the loss of their son Beau in 2015 and the other during the 2020 COVID pandemic. Nantucket, renowned for its quaint cottages and strong ties to Democratic donors, is gearing up for the presidential visit.
Preparations are already in motion, with government aircraft delivering supplies to Nantucket Memorial Airport. The island’s hotels are set to accommodate U.S. Secret Service, government personnel, Massachusetts State Police, and the media.
Billionaire David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group, will host the Bidens. Known for substantial donations to national landmark preservation, Rubenstein’s philanthropy includes a $10 million contribution in 2012 for the repair of the Washington Monument and nearly $30 million to the National Park Foundation for the restoration of the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson memorials.
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This annual tradition began in 1975 when the soon-to-be-married couple, Joe and Jill Biden, chose to spend Thanksgiving on the island with Biden’s sons Hunter and the late Beau Biden instead of attending multiple dinner parties they were invited to.
Nantucket has a rich history of hosting U.S. presidents, with the Kennedys, Obamas, and the Clinton family all enjoying the charm of Cape Cod and Nantucket.
President Biden’s schedule for the week remains undisclosed, but an island visit to downtown Nantucket on Friday is anticipated, just ahead of the annual tree-lighting ceremony.
Earlier in the week, President Biden participated in another Thanksgiving tradition by pardoning two turkeys, Liberty and Bell, at the White House.
