While speaking alongside Governor Gavin Newsom at a emergency press briefing covering Los Angeles blazes, President Joe Biden sparks controversy for announcing his first great-grandchild's birth.
- Jan 9, 2025
AceShowbiz - President Joe Biden has come under fire as he's accused of trying to divert focus from the catastrophic California wildfires by announcing the birth of his first great-grandchild during an emergency press conference.
During the briefing, held at the Malibu fire station, Biden stood alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom as emergency services provided an update on the devastating situation. The wildfires, which ignited in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, have resulted in the tragic loss of five lives and the evacuation of 30,000 people.
In a move that many deemed "tone-deaf," President Biden announced, "But the good news is, I'm a great grandfather, as of today," referring to the newborn son of his granddaughter, Naomi Biden.
The first lady, Jill Biden, later shared a picture of the newest family member on the FLOTUS Instagram account, proudly writing, "We are proud to introduce you to our great-grandson, William Brannon Neal IV."
The announcement quickly met backlash, as social media users criticized Biden for making the tragedy about his personal life. "Biden makes all tragedies about himself," one user commented on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another added, "Read the room, Joe."
Biden has been openly discussing his granddaughter's pregnancy in recent months. In an interview with USA Today, he expressed his anticipation, "I'm about to be a great-grandfather, Jesus God. But Naomi ... I'm going out to California. She's due to have a cesarean on the 8th of January."
The joyous occasion came a little over two years after the Bidens hosted Naomi's wedding to her husband, Peter Neal, at the White House.
Amid the celebrations, there is an underlying concern for the president's son, Hunter Biden, whose Malibu rental home stands threatened by the fire. Hunter Biden, who was pardoned in a controversial move by his dad following the conviction of his gun charges, moved into the $30,000-a-month property in 2022, according to ABC News.
As California grapples with the ongoing wildfires, the incident highlights the need for sensitive timing during public communications. While personal milestones are significant, the backdrop of a major disaster calls for continuous emphasis on the affected communities and emergency efforts.
