President Joe Biden has spent 40.3% of his presidency on vacation, a figure that has sparked significant discussion amid concerns over national issues like inflation and border security.

The president’s considerable time away from Washington, D.C. has surpassed the vacation days of his predecessors, drawing attention and criticism from various quarters, as Breitbart reports.

On Aug. 31, the Republican National Committee (RNC) shared a video on social media that depicted Biden relaxing on a beach chair, noting that it marked his 16th consecutive day on vacation.

This visual came as the president took a 16-day retreat in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, adding to the growing tally of days spent away from his official duties.

Critics Raise Concerns About National Leadership

In total, Biden has spent 532 days on vacation since assuming office. The RNC’s video criticized this extensive break, with the caption, “Who’s running the country?” implying that the nation’s leadership might be in question during the president's frequent absences.

One social media user responded sarcastically, “Same people running it when he isn’t on vacation,” while another expressed frustration, suggesting that Biden was “wasting away” while the country faced struggles, including economic challenges and immigration concerns at the border.

Biden’s time off from official duties has led to a stark contrast when compared to his predecessors. Former President Donald Trump spent 26% of his presidency on personal trips, which also drew criticism at the time. However, Biden’s vacation percentage is notably higher.

Biden’s Vacation Days Exceed Past Presidents

Other presidents, such as Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, spent only around 11% of their two-term presidencies on vacation, with former President Jimmy Carter taking just 79 days off during his single term in office.

The significant difference in time away from Washington has added fuel to the ongoing debate about whether Biden is effectively managing his responsibilities.

In August 2022, Biden returned to Delaware for his 49th trip to his home state, marking 150 days spent there within the first 18 months of his presidency.

Biden has frequently chosen Delaware as his destination for rest, but he has also visited other vacation spots such as Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, for Thanksgiving, and Kiawah Island, North Carolina.

Poll Reveals Public Doubts Over Biden’s Fitness to Serve

While Biden’s vacation days continue to accumulate, public opinion on his ability to serve effectively has also been a topic of concern. A July CBS News/YouGov poll reported by Breitbart News revealed that 72% of registered voters questioned Biden’s mental and cognitive health, sparking a deeper conversation about whether he is fit to finish his term in office.

Despite these concerns, Biden’s administration has maintained that the president is fully engaged in his duties, even when taking time away from the White House.

His vacations, they argue, allow for necessary rest and recovery, especially given the intense demands of the office.

Conclusion

In summary, President Biden has spent over 40 percent of his presidency on vacation, raising questions about his leadership and ability to manage the nation's issues.

His vacation days surpass those of previous presidents, prompting criticism and comparisons.

While his administration defends these breaks as essential, public concern remains, particularly as economic and border issues persist.

As scrutiny grows, the debate over the balance between presidential duties and personal time continues to be a prominent topic in national discourse.