President Biden is making headlines this week for his whirlwind travel schedule, which includes two back-to-back round trips to Europe in just nine days. Despite the comfort of Air Force One, most American presidents try to avoid such grueling travel, but Biden is not one to shy away from a busy agenda.
“The president’s schedule is jam-packed. It is,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “There is a lot to be done on behalf of the American people.”
Biden first flew to France for D-Day celebrations and a state dinner before returning home briefly. He then jetted off to Italy for the Group of 7 summit, all while dealing with the news of his son Hunter Biden’s trial.
The question on many minds is why didn’t Biden just stay in Europe for a few days to rest and relax? Some aides suggest that there were election-year optics to consider, as images of the president on a European holiday might not sit well with voters.
Despite the grueling travel schedule, the presidency is a job that can be done from anywhere, thanks to modern technology and a dedicated staff. The tradition of presidents avoiding extended stays abroad for leisure dates back to previous administrations, where even brief trips were carefully planned to avoid any perception of neglecting duties back home.
As Biden continues to navigate his busy schedule, the world watches to see how he balances his international commitments with his responsibilities at home.
