Joe Biden was photographed with his family on Malibu Beach in California, marking his first Independence Day after leaving office
On July 4, 2025, the first Independence Day for former U.S. President Joe Biden after stepping down, he was captured by the camera spending time with his family on Malibu Beach in California. On this day, the 82-year-old man shed the burden of politics and left behind the hustle and bustle of Washington, sharing the tranquility of the beach with his loved ones. However, behind this peaceful scene lies the end of his half-century political career and a redefinition of family life. What does this trip really mean? Is it merely a relaxation or the beginning of a new chapter in his retirement?
Joe Biden officially stepped down as the U.S. president on January 20, 2025, ending a political career spanning over 50 years. As one of the oldest presidents in American history, he faced major issues such as economic recovery, climate policy adjustments, and the reshaping of international relations during his term. After stepping down, he chose to return to his home in Wilmington, Delaware, beginning a relatively low-key retirement. Wilmington is where Biden's political journey began and has been the family base where he and his wife Jill have lived and worked for many years. Compared to the high-pressure environment of the White House, here is more like a safe haven, allowing him to re-evaluate the focus of his life.
In the early stages of his retirement, Biden's lifestyle slowed down significantly. He started writing his memoirs, summarizing his experiences from being a senator to vice president and then president. This is not only a summary of the past but also a record for future generations. At the same time, he did not completely step out of the public eye, continuing to participate in public welfare activities related to education and veterans' affairs, thus maintaining his concern for society. Jill Biden continued to be involved in the field of education, occasionally teaching at community colleges, maintaining her consistent professional enthusiasm. Although their daily lives are ordinary, they reveal deep feelings for family and community.
In the summer of 2025, the Fourth of July, as an important national holiday in the United States, symbolizes freedom and unity, which is equally significant for the Biden family. For the first Independence Day after stepping down, they decided to go on vacation to Malibu Beach, California. This choice was not accidental. Malibu, located west of Los Angeles, has a long coastline and a pleasant climate, making it a popular leisure spot for many celebrities. It is not only beautiful in scenery but also remarkably quiet due to its distance from the political center. For Biden, who had just left the busy public service, this place is an ideal location to create memories with his family.
The preparation of this trip was mainly led by Jill. She arranged the itinerary in advance, booked a vacation house near the beach, ensuring that the family could enjoy privacy and comfort. On July 3, the Biden family left Delaware and drove to Malibu after arriving in Los Angeles. Although this journey was not long, it marked a further transition for Biden from a public figure to a regular family member. On the day of Independence Day, they appeared on Malibu Beach, attracting media attention and allowing the outside world to glimpse his life after stepping down.
Malibu Beach is not only a vacation destination but also carries the expectation of reunion for the Biden family. Biden traveled with his wife Jill, 25-year-old granddaughter Finnegan, and 5-year-old grandson Bo, showing the central position of family in his heart. As a leader with a long political career, Biden often spent less time with his family due to work. After stepping down, he finally had the chance to make up for this regret. The activities on Malibu Beach were not detailed in the reports, but it can be inferred that they included common family leisure activities such as walking and picnics. This simple lifestyle contrasts sharply with the high-pressure rhythm he experienced in the White House.
The environment of Malibu added a unique atmosphere to this trip. Known for the magnificent coastal scenery of the Pacific Ocean and a relaxed lifestyle, it is more like a vacation spot compared to the quiet community of Delaware. The time that the Biden family spent there reflected their appreciation for nature and family. This choice may also reflect his expectations for his life after stepping down: peaceful, genuine, and down-to-earth.
After returning to Delaware, Biden did not completely withdraw from public life. He continued to pay attention to education and veterans' affairs, participating in community activities in a low-key way. For example, he might raise funds for veterans or support local educational projects. These actions show that even after stepping down, he still wants to contribute to society, albeit in a more personal manner. Jill continues to be active in the field of education, occasionally giving lectures at universities, sharing her experience in promoting educational policies during her time in the White House. Both of them will invest more energy into their families, with accompanying their grandchildren becoming an important part of their daily routine.
Biden has repeatedly emphasized that family is the cornerstone of his life. After stepping down, he finally had the chance to put this belief into practice. The trip to Malibu is just a fragment of his retirement life, yet it reflects his emphasis on family time. Compared to the dramatic ups and downs of his political career, this simple happiness seems particularly precious.
Biden's appearance in Malibu has also sparked speculation about his future role. As an experienced politician, his influence has not disappeared with his resignation. His memoir is expected to be published, possibly sharing profound insights into American politics. In addition, he may offer advice to young leaders in informal settings, continuing his political legacy. However, compared to these public roles, the time spent in Malibu indicates that he prefers to dedicate his later years to family and personal interests. This balance may be the best definition of his "retirement life."
The time that Biden spent on Malibu Beach on his first Independence Day after stepping down shows the transformation of a former president from the peak of power to a normal life. This is not only a warm moment of family reunion but also an interpretation of his new chapter in life. What do you think about Biden's choice? Will he continue to influence public affairs after stepping down, or will he fully embrace an ordinary life? Please leave your comments and share your thoughts!
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836898075809795/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.