Biden begins week-long vacation in Caribbean to ring in the new year

WASHINGTON - United States President Joe Biden left the drizzly skies of Washington behind on Dec 27 and flew to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, where he and First Lady Jill Biden intend to ring in the new year.

The Bidens, along with their granddaughter Natalie, stepped off Air Force One and headed to a waiting sport utility vehicle to start their week-long vacation.

The Bidens are spending the week at the beachfront villa of friends and long-time Democratic donors Bill and Connie Neville.

The three-bedroom home, which is listed on Airbnb for US$700 (S$925) a night, has an infinity pool, private beach access and unobstructed views of Buck Island Reef National Monument.

But work has a way of intruding on even the most secluded getaways, especially if you are the president.

The trip comes as Mr Biden faces pressure to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spiralling into a wider regional conflict. On Dec 26,

he authorised strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq

in retaliation for a series of assaults and a drone attack on Christmas Day that left three American troops wounded and one in critical condition.

Later in the day, the administration said

Mr Biden had spoken to the emir of Qatar

about the hostages being held by Hamas and the effort to get more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The White House declined to discuss the President’s expected meeting schedule while in St Croix or who will be accompanying the first couple.

The visit to St Croix is Mr Biden’s second as president. But the Bidens have travelled there more than a dozen times over the years.

The tropical escape is likely to be a respite for Mr Biden before the start of an intense 2024 presidential campaign season.

While the economy has shown significant signs of improvement since the Covid-19 pandemic – “Start reporting it the right way,” a frustrated Mr Biden scolded reporters this week – Americans are still expressing anxiety.

At the same time, the Democratic Party is deeply fractured over Mr Biden’s support of Israel in its war against Hamas.

The president is entering the new year with a persistently low job approval rating. But campaign officials have indicated the president will double down on a message that his administration’s policies are bolstering national security and the economy.

In January, the campaign has planned a major push in South Carolina to drive voter turnout before a Democratic primary in February. NYTIMES