In an awkward “good news” announcement at a press conference about the wildfires causing widespread destruction in Southern California, outgoing US President Joe Biden said he became a great-grandfather today.
The 82-year-old said at the Santa Monica fire station. I will never forget this day for many reasons. ” Hearing this announcement, there was nervous laughter and applause in the room.
Mr. Biden’s eldest daughter, Naomi Biden Neal, has given birth to her first child, a boy, who they have named William Brannon Neal IV, First Lady Jill Biden confirmed on Instagram. Biden is expected to become the first U.S. president whose great-grandfather died while in office.
He also expressed concern about the challenges faced by families after the bushfires. “What happened is amazing. There’s only one good news. My son lives here with his wife. They received a notice yesterday that their home may have burned down. It seems like it’s still there, but they’re not sure.”
Biden cuts off firefighter’s conference: “The good news is I’m a great-grandpa.”
Press is kicked out. There are 0 questions. pic.twitter.com/GjFYy7qUhv
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 8, 2025
Wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles County, killing at least five people and many still uncontained. Tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate and many homes were burnt to the ground. Biden’s comments, made during a discussion about the tragedy, caught many off guard.
One X user commented, “You’re right, Joe Biden is more concerned about his own family than the American people.”
Just like that, Joe Biden is more concerned about his own family than the American people.
— TheModernFederalist (@ModernFed) January 8, 2025
Another wrote: “Is it possible to be any more self-absorbed and disconnected from those around you?”
Is it possible to become even more self-absorbed and disconnected from those around you?
— Louis Montoya (@montoyalouis1) January 8, 2025
The comment said, “I felt it was not the time or place to make an announcement.”
I felt it was not the time or place to announce it.
— Bookworm (@Outlier170) January 8, 2025
Firefighters in Los Angeles County have been battling strong winds and low humidity for several days to extinguish the fire. On Wednesday, as winds eased, helicopters flew again to drop water and retardant to help suppress the fire and protect homes.
The Palisades Fire, which broke out between Malibu and Santa Monica, was the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, CNN reported. It burned more than 15,800 acres and destroyed at least 1,000 structures. Another large fire in Altadena, the Eaton Fire, has spread to more than 10,000 acres and threatens about 13,000 buildings.
All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were closed Thursday because of the fire, and two schools in the Palisades were destroyed.
Joe Biden had planned to visit Italy this week, likely his last trip as president, but canceled it to focus on responding to California’s wildfires. “We’re doing everything we can to contain the fires,” Biden said.
