Former President Joe Biden spent a staggering 577 days away from the White House during his single term, amounting to 39% of his presidency, according to a new Republican National Committee (RNC) report.
Critics have dubbed him the laziest president in modern U.S. history, while supporters argue the numbers don’t tell the full story. The data, released in February 2025, has reignited discussions about how much time a president can afford to take off.
The RNC report highlights that Biden, who left office on Jan. 20, 2025, outpaced all recent predecessors in vacation time. For comparison, Donald Trump took 26% of his first term away, Barack Obama logged 11.2%, and George W. Bush hit 35%.
Earlier presidents like George H.W. Bush (34.9%), Bill Clinton (11.8%), Ronald Reagan (11.5%), and Jimmy Carter (5.4%) trailed behind. The average American, with 11 vacation days a year, would need over 50 years to match Biden’s total.
Final Months Under Scrutiny
Biden’s downtime spiked after he suspended his reelection campaign on July 21, 2024. The RNC notes he spent 43 of the 70 days between that decision and the end of his term on break, often retreating to Delaware. Images of the 82-year-old lounging on Rehoboth Beach with wife Jill fueled online mockery. Sources say he frequented his home state multiple times as Vice President Kamala Harris led a losing battle against Trump in the 2024 race.
His exit followed pressure from top Democrats, who questioned his age and mental sharpness after a shaky campaign. Biden insisted he could lead for another term, but party leaders pushed him out in what insiders call an unofficial coup. Transitioning to a quieter life, he left the White House amid mixed sentiments about his legacy.
Critics vs. Defenders
The RNC’s numbers stir controversy. Critics claim Biden shirked duties, pointing to his 577 days as proof of neglect during crises like inflation and border security. Yet, defenders push back. Former White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in 2022 that presidents remain on duty regardless of location, whether overseas or 100 miles away in Wilmington, Delaware. The RNC counts partial days away as full vacation days, a method some call misleading.
Snopes, in a February 2025 analysis, adjusted Biden’s vacation total to about 117 full days—or 8% of his term—arguing many “off” days involved work from places like Camp David. Still, the RNC stands by its tally, sparking a broader debate about what counts as presidential downtime. For Biden, the blend of beach trips and remote work complicates the narrative.
As the dust settles, his record-breaking 577 days off remain a lightning rod. Supporters laud his resilience; detractors see it as laziness. Either way, Biden’s presidency leaves a mark—both in policy and in the sand.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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