WASHINGTON, DC — President Joe Biden recently marked his 418th vacation day, opting to spend New Year’s in the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the Republican National Committee’s Vacation Tracker, this accounts for 39 percent of his time in office.
The count includes Biden’s time at his Delaware residences, Camp David, and visits to homes of Democrat donors. Biden, along with First Lady Jill Biden and several family members, flew to St. Croix for a week-long stay, returning on January 2. The White House, however, did not disclose the exact number of family members accompanying them.
The Bidens are staying at Two Palms Villa, a beachfront property owned by Democrat donors, with a nightly rate of $700. The New York Times noted that while the Bidens have previously stayed there as guests, it is unclear if they are paying for their stay this time.
Comparatively, former President Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan each spent about 11 percent of their presidencies on vacation, while Jimmy Carter’s vacation days constituted only five percent of his term. Biden’s vacation days notably surpass those of his recent predecessors.
Biden will spend the rest of 2023 in the Virgin Islands.