Former President Joe Biden was seen maintaining his family's long-standing Thanksgiving tradition in Nantucket this week, despite his ongoing battle with aggressive prostate cancer. The 83-year-old patriarch was photographed walking through the island's historic downtown area surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
A Family Affair in Nantucket
The former president appeared in good spirits during the holiday outing, wearing a black baseball cap and offering photographers a thumbs-up gesture. He was accompanied by his son Hunter Biden, daughter Ashley Biden, and Hunter's wife Melissa Cohen, along with his four grandchildren. Notably absent from the family stroll was his wife, Dr Jill Biden, who wasn't pictured during this particular excursion.
The Biden family engaged in typical holiday activities, including browsing local shopfronts and enjoying street performances. At one point, the former president demonstrated his appreciation for local talent by placing a $20 bill into the case of a street fiddler before the group proceeded to lunch at Lemon Press, a popular café known for its high-end daytime menu.
Modified Security and Travel Arrangements
This year's Thanksgiving visit marked several changes from previous years, particularly in travel and security arrangements. The family arrived on the island via a Cape Air Tecnam Traveller aircraft, a significant departure from last year's arrival aboard Air Force One. Upon landing at Nantucket Memorial Airport, a modest motorcade of black SUVs transported the former president to the waterfront estate of billionaire David Rubenstein, where the Bidens have frequently stayed during past visits.
Security presence was noticeably reduced compared to previous years. According to a Nantucket police spokesperson, local officers coordinated with Biden's security detail throughout the stay. A source familiar with island preparations revealed that approximately 45 Secret Service agents accompanied the former president – a substantial but reduced contingent compared to his presidential protection detail.
Local residents observed fewer security measures than in previous years, with no security checkpoints, metal detectors, or barricades reported along Main Street for the annual tree-lighting ceremony.
Continuing Tradition Amid Health Challenges
The public appearance comes just weeks after Biden completed radiation treatment for aggressive prostate cancer in late October. The former president first disclosed his diagnosis in May and has been open about his health journey. Earlier this month, he addressed both his own illness and the death of his eldest son Beau Biden during a speech at the Nebraska Democratic Party's Ben Nelson Gala.
Biden's connection to Nantucket spans nearly five decades, with the former Delaware senator, vice president, and one-term president having spent Thanksgiving on the island nearly every year since 1975. The family typically remains through the long holiday weekend, engaging in established traditions that have included delivering pumpkin pies to local police officers and firefighters in previous years.
This year's celebration followed Biden's 83rd birthday on November 20th, which was publicly acknowledged by Dr Jill Biden on Instagram. Despite health challenges, the former president has maintained his regular Nantucket routines, including visiting The Brotherhood of Thieves restaurant on Broad Street, where he was photographed with local children just days before Thanksgiving.
The Biden family's Thanksgiving meals, once prepared by Faregrounds Restaurant for decades, are now reportedly handled by a private chef, according to recent reports. Nevertheless, the family's commitment to their Nantucket tradition remains unwavering, demonstrating resilience and continuity amid personal health battles.
