Biden's Surprise Dublin Visit Draws Protests and Two Arrests

Former U.S. President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday, Nov. 10, where protesters gathered and at least two people were arrested, according to The Independent and The Journal. Biden, 83, attended with his wife, Jill, as their son Hunter received an award from a student debating society.

The trip comes days before Biden's new memoir is due out, and shortly after he said his health will limit how much he can promote it.

What happened at Trinity College

Hunter Biden accepted the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse from the College Historical Society, known as The Hist. The Journal reported that the society, founded in 1770, describes itself as the oldest student debating society in the world. In an Instagram post cited by The Journal, the society said it chose Hunter Biden because of his recent advocacy on American politics and media, and on addiction and recovery.

Protesters gathered outside the venue during the afternoon. Xinhua, citing local media, described them as pro-Palestinian demonstrators who criticized the visit and the Biden administration's handling of the conflict in Gaza. The Journal said speakers delivered anti-war remarks and that the crowd grew larger and more heated as the afternoon went on. Chants included “shame on you” and a call that Biden had blood on his hands.

The Journal reported that around six gardaí, as Irish police officers are called, took two protesters to the ground, and that one officer used a baton on a person being detained. As Biden left, some people moved forward and objects were thrown, according to both The Independent and The Journal. Police public order units and vans were on site.

Reports differ slightly on the number of arrests. The Independent and The Journal both said at least two people were arrested. In a statement to The Journal, An Garda Síochána said only that officers had responded to reports of an incident at the college and had no further information.

Meeting with Ireland's prime minister

Earlier in the day, Biden met Taoiseach Micheál Martin at The Merrion Hotel, The Journal reported. A government spokesperson said the two had coffee and talked about the Northern Ireland peace process and reconciliation, as well as other international issues and each other's families. Biden also asked about how Ireland was handling the events it is hosting this week.

Martin wrote on X that he was pleased to welcome Biden and his family and that they had reflected on Biden's Irish roots and his support for Ireland. The Journal said Biden traveled with five blacked-out vehicles and a close protection detail, and that a source told the outlet he appeared frail and moved slowly before waving to a small group of students.

Why it matters: Biden's health and his book

The visit gives readers a rare look at Biden's public activity after leaving office. The Independent noted that he disclosed a prostate cancer diagnosis months after his term ended. On Sunday, he said he would not be able to do as many conversations about his book as he had hoped.

Biden said his doctors continue to be encouraged by how he has responded to treatment. He added that “some days are better than others” and that his illness sometimes slows him down.

His memoir, “Promise Me, America,” is scheduled for release Nov. 17. Biden says it is the best way he can explain his presidency, including the challenges his administration faced and the reasoning behind his decisions. The Independent noted that he ended his reelection bid after a poor June 2024 debate with Donald Trump, following widespread concern about his age. In one excerpt, Biden describes an Oval Office meeting with Trump days after the 2020 election. He writes that Trump told him they could be good friends if not for politics, and he criticizes Trump's approach to his predecessors' work.

What comes next in Dublin

Xinhua reported that Dublin is preparing for more demonstrations this week. Ireland hosts the European Political Community summit on Thursday and an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday. Irish police have launched what Xinhua called the largest security operation in the country's history, with extra restrictions around the meeting venues.

Around Prague, based on reporting by The Independent, Xinhua, The Journal

Cover photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

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