President Biden’s first presidential trip to Northern Ireland has raised some eyebrows, thanks to the presence of his embattled son, Hunter, and his sister and former campaign manager, Valerie Biden Owens.
The trio boarded Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Tuesday and headed for Belfast to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
The trip aims to keep the peace in Northern Ireland, where violence was once rampant between Protestant Unionists and Catholic Republicans. Biden will also meet with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and give a speech at Ulster University before departing for Dublin to meet with Irish President Michael Higgins.
Security concerns were raised ahead of the trip due to a bomb plot by the “New IRA,” but Biden expressed his love for Ireland and his pride in his Irish heritage. He plans to meet with distant relatives during his visit.
The presence of Hunter Biden on the trip is sure to generate attention, given the ongoing criminal investigation into his business and tax dealings. However, President Biden has repeatedly denied any knowledge of his son’s business dealings.