A new report has ignited controversy over President Joe Biden’s time in office, revealing that he spent 40% of his presidency on vacation. Critics are now branding him the “laziest president ever,” while his team scrambles to defend his record.
According to a report released by the Republican National Committee (RNC), Biden, 82, took 577 days off during his term. The study highlights that nearly half of his final six months in office—43 out of 70 days—were spent away from official duties. The findings have sparked an urgent response from the White House, with insiders claiming his team is in “crisis mode” as they attempt to protect his legacy.
Biden’s Vacation Record Under Fire
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his age and mental fitness already raised questions about his ability to lead. Following his exit, then-Vice President Kamala Harris launched a failed bid against Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Biden was frequently spotted vacationing in his home state of Delaware, where he was even seen relaxing on the beach.
Comparing Biden’s vacation record to past presidents, the report suggests he took significantly more time off than his predecessors. Former President Donald Trump spent 26% of his term on vacation, Barack Obama 11.2%, George W. Bush 35%, and Bill Clinton just 11.8%. Even George H.W. Bush, often criticized for his time away, recorded 34.9%, still lower than Biden. Jimmy Carter, known for his tireless work ethic, only took 5.4% of his term as vacation days.
White House Defends Biden’s Schedule
Biden’s team has pushed back against the report, arguing that the data is misleading. The administration insists that many of the so-called vacation days included partial workdays, where Biden continued official duties from remote locations.
Former White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates previously defended Biden’s schedule, saying, “Presidents of the United States are constantly on the job, regardless of their location—whether on a state visit overseas or just 100 miles from the White House for a short trip to Wilmington, Delaware.”
Despite this defense, critics argue that Biden’s frequent absences contributed to public concerns over his leadership and ability to effectively govern. The debate over his work ethic remains a contentious issue, with some claiming the RNC report exaggerates the reality of a president’s schedule while others see it as confirmation of a disengaged leader.
As the Biden administration works to control the narrative, the controversy over his vacation days adds another layer of scrutiny to his presidency, raising questions about how history will remember his time in office.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.