Joe Biden just can’t seem to resist making every situation about himself, even in the midst of a crisis. On Wednesday, as raging wildfires devastated parts of Los Angeles County, the president-elect joined California Governor Gavin Newsom for a briefing on the unfolding disaster. With over 70,000 residents evacuated, at least two confirmed fatalities, and zero containment on the fires sweeping through Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Sylmar, one might think Biden would focus on the immediate tragedy. Instead, he turned the moment into a celebration of his own personal milestone.
Interrupting the briefing, Biden shared that his son and daughter-in-law, who live in the area, had received notice that their home might have been destroyed in the blaze. While understandable, what came next raised eyebrows: “The good news is, I’m a great-grandfather as of today!” Biden announced, pivoting to talk about his eldest granddaughter, Naomi, giving birth in Los Angeles earlier that day. “So I’ll remember this day for a lot longer,” he added, seemingly oblivious to the suffering unfolding around him.
Biden cuts off the fire briefing: "The good news is that I became a great grandpa"
Press is kicked out. 0 questions. pic.twitter.com/GjFYy7qUhv
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 8, 2025
The timing and tone of Biden’s comments struck many as tone-deaf, even eliciting a visibly uncomfortable reaction from Newsom. The briefing was supposed to address the devastating fires that have destroyed over 1,000 homes, injured countless individuals, and displaced tens of thousands. Instead, Biden’s self-focused remarks dominated headlines and undercut the gravity of the situation.
Critics were quick to pounce on Biden’s apparent lack of empathy. “To all the people who lost their homes due to Democrat policies: The good news is Joe Biden is a great-grandfather today!” quipped one social media user, echoing the frustrations of many Californians who feel abandoned by state and federal leadership. The wildfires have once again highlighted longstanding issues with forest management and water misallocation, problems critics argue are exacerbated by California’s environmental policies.
While Naomi Biden’s joyous news is certainly worth celebrating privately, many questioned whether this was the appropriate venue for such an announcement. With thousands of families facing the loss of everything they own, Biden’s detour into personal triumph came across as tone-deaf at best and self-absorbed at worst.
As Los Angeles residents reel from yet another catastrophic wildfire season, they’re left wondering if their leaders can prioritize their needs—or if every tragedy will continue to be overshadowed by political theater.
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