On Wednesday, President Joe Biden celebrated a significant milestone in his life as he became a great-grandfather with the birth of his eldest granddaughter’s first child. During a news conference in California, Biden shared the exciting news, saying, “I’m a great-grandfather as of today. Baby boy. So I’ll remember this day.” The president’s comments were met with warm applause, marking the joyful occasion for the Biden family.
Following the announcement, First Lady Jill Biden posted a heartfelt photo of the president and herself holding their great-grandson. In her post, she introduced the newest addition to the family: William Brannon Neal, IV. This name honors both the newborn and the legacy of Neal’s late uncle, who tragically lost his life in 2009 in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. The name serves as a tribute to the family’s past while celebrating the birth of a new generation.
Naomi Biden, the 31-year-old daughter of Hunter Biden, had previously announced her pregnancy in November, sharing the news on social media on Election Day. She had been scheduled for a Cesarean section on Wednesday, as her grandfather had revealed during an interview at the White House just days before the birth. Reflecting on the moment, President Biden expressed his excitement, remarking, “I’m about to be a great-grandfather, Jesus God,” signaling the profound significance of the moment for the entire family.
Congratulations to @NaomiBiden and @pghn__ on the arrival of William Brannon Neal IV!@POTUS and @FLOTUS are going to be incredible great-grandparents! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iH12pUtJ1o
— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) January 8, 2025
Naomi Biden and her husband, Peter Neal, were married in a ceremony at the White House in 2022. Their wedding made history as the first time a sitting president’s grandchild was married at the White House. The couple’s wedding was a high-profile event that showcased the close bond between the Biden family and their American legacy.
The birth of William Brannon Neal, IV, also holds emotional significance for Peter Neal, as the newborn shares a name with his brother, who tragically passed away years earlier. The choice of name serves as a tribute to his late brother while carrying on the Neal family’s legacy.
The president has seven grandchildren, a group of which he has often spoken about with great pride. In numerous public appearances, Biden has made it clear that he maintains close relationships with his grandchildren and is in frequent contact with them. He has mentioned in interviews that he speaks with them on a daily basis, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.
While celebrating the joyous occasion, President Biden also addressed more serious matters during a separate interview with USA Today. His son Hunter Biden has faced public struggles with addiction over the years, which were also discussed during the conversation. In December, President Biden made the decision to pardon his son in connection to a past legal matter. The president, when asked about his decision, explained that he had taken into account his son’s growth, including his success in art and his involvement in addiction prevention programs. “He’s doing really well, and the family’s doing well,” Biden shared, expressing pride in his son’s journey toward recovery.
Naomi Biden, who has lived at the White House with her family, has also been involved in public matters, including testifying last year in defense of her father, Hunter Biden, during his federal gun trial. Her support for her father and her family’s ongoing public service is indicative of the strong Biden family unity that remains a focal point of the president’s life.
As President Biden nears the end of his first term in office, the interview provided insight into his thoughts on his presidency and future plans. Reflecting on his political career, Biden acknowledged that he could have potentially won a reelection bid against President-elect Donald Trump, had he chosen to run for a second term. However, he admitted uncertainty about his ability to serve another four years, particularly at the age of 86. “So far, so good. But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” he mused, illustrating the physical demands of the presidency and his awareness of his age.
As President Biden’s time in office comes to a close, his personal and public life continues to make headlines, with moments like the birth of his great-grandson providing a touching contrast to the high-stakes political landscape. For the Biden family, the arrival of little William Brannon Neal, IV marks not only the addition of a new family member but also a moment of joy amidst a turbulent political era. It’s a reminder that, even at the highest levels of power, family and personal milestones continue to shape lives.
Looking ahead, the Biden family will undoubtedly continue to navigate the personal and professional challenges of public life, finding moments of joy and togetherness even as they face the ongoing demands of the political sphere. As President Biden enters the next phase of his life, the birth of his great-grandson stands as a reminder of the continuity of life and legacy, both in the Biden family and the broader context of American history.