President Biden and his family's arrival at a luxurious beachfront property marks another instance of their complimentary vacation arrangements.
According to the New York Post, President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and their daughter Ashley landed in St. Croix for what could be their final unpaid vacation of his presidency at a wealthy supporter's residence, following previous free stays that raised ethical concerns and reporting issues.
The Bidens proceeded directly to Bill and Connie Neville's beachfront villa, which features an in-ground pool and panoramic views of an offshore island. The property, typically available as a VRBO rental for approximately $900 per night, has become a familiar retreat for the Biden family during both his presidency and vice presidency.
Pattern of Free Stays Raises Questions About Presidential Ethics
The Nevilles, who operate the US Viking software company and provide the ENPS content platform used by various news outlets, were guests at Biden's first state dinner featuring French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022. This invitation came just weeks before the Bidens' initial presidential stay at their St. Croix property.
Former George W. Bush White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter expressed his concerns about the situation:
It really hurts the Democrats because they have always been claiming to be the party of the people, and yet, time and time again, you find the president in the United States staying in the house of a billionaire. The problem is the not disclosing. And it makes us very hard for those of us who are very critical of the Supreme Court justices who are not disclosing this kind of stuff.
The practice has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump's stays at his own properties, though critics argue Biden's situation presents different ethical challenges due to the potential influence of wealthy supporters.
Growing List of Luxury Accommodations Draws Republican Criticism
Biden's vacation portfolio includes multiple stays at prominent supporters' residences. The family has enjoyed four Thanksgiving-week visits to billionaire David Rubenstein's Nantucket compound and spent time at medical technology billionaire Joe Kiani's California ranch, whose government contracts during Biden's administration sparked controversy.
Mark Paoletta, incoming top lawyer for the White House budget office, criticized Biden's reporting practices regarding these stays:
His habit of taking over donors' homes for vacations and not paying nor disclosing is consistent with his family's long history of grift and corruption.
The controversy extends beyond the St. Croix villa, encompassing stays at billionaire Tom Steyer's Lake Tahoe retreat and Maria Allwin's Kiawah Island mansion. The White House's handling of these arrangements, particularly regarding payment and disclosure, has fueled ongoing debates about transparency and influence.
Presidential Vacation Legacy Raises Questions About Future Protocol
The issue of disclosure has become particularly contentious, with critics pointing out that intentionally omitting gifts from federal forms could violate 18 U.S. Code § 1001, carrying a potential five-year prison sentence. Republicans have highlighted what they perceive as a double standard in media coverage, comparing it to the scrutiny faced by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over undisclosed trips.
The White House has maintained that these stays don't require reporting due to ambiguities in federal law. This position has drawn skepticism from ethics experts and political opponents alike, who argue for greater transparency in presidential accommodations.
The regular meetings between the Bidens and the Nevilles at the St. Croix airport following their stays have further fueled discussions about the nature of these relationships and their potential influence on presidential access.
Journey Through Presidential Ethics
President Biden's ongoing practice of accepting complimentary stays at supporters' luxury properties has become a significant point of contention in discussions about presidential ethics and transparency. The recent arrival at the Neville's St. Croix villa represents what might be the final such arrangement of his presidency, coming amid increased scrutiny over the practice of unreported vacation stays at wealthy supporters' residences. These arrangements, spanning multiple locations and benefactors, have raised questions about influence, access, and the proper disclosure of presidential gifts.
