Former President Joe Biden traveled to Ireland to attend a ceremony where his son, Hunter Biden, received a gold medal from Trinity College Dublin for his "Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse." The visit comes after the elder Biden announced that his cancer diagnosis and treatment have limited his ability to participate in public events, including a book tour for his upcoming memoir.
The award from Trinity College Dublin's College Historical Society, founded in 1770, has previously been given to figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The college cited Hunter Biden's "recent advocacy on the state of American politics and media, as well as for matters of addiction and recovery" as reasons for honoring him.
Joe Biden, who announced his prostate cancer diagnosis last year, stated that the treatment has "slowed me down," impacting his planned promotional activities for his memoir, "Promise Me America." Despite these limitations, he made the transatlantic journey with a significant Secret Service detail.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed the former president's visit, sharing a photo with the Biden family and noting their shared Irish roots. Local reports described the former president as appearing frail and moving slowly during the visit.
Hunter Biden's past struggles with drug addiction and controversial public statements, including profanity-laced social media posts and videos, have been widely reported. He was also convicted of gun and tax crimes in June 2024 before receiving a presidential pardon.
During the ceremony, Hunter Biden expressed his honor and appreciation for the award, stating, "To be able to come back to Ireland and be with my whole family, it means the world." He described his father as "great, he’s good, he’s here!"
The former president sat with his family, including former First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter's wife Melissa, their son Beau, and Ashley Biden. Protesters were present outside the venue, with at least two individuals arrested during the event.