To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, President Biden made some cringe-worthy jokes about his Irish ancestry.
He joked that he’s surprised his relatives aren’t “in jail” and that he’s “really not Irish” because he doesn’t drink alcohol.
“I’ve been to Ireland many times, but not to actually look up, to find my actual family members. And there are so many — and they actually weren’t in jail,” Biden said.
“There’s still a place called Finnegan’s pub … that’s related to my family,” the president continued. “I’m the only Irishman you ever met, though, that’s never had a drink, so I’m OK. I’m really not Irish.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
‘I’m really not Irish because I’m sober…and I don’t have any relatives in jail…’ -Joe Biden at the Friends of Ireland Luncheon pic.twitter.com/v9gI8xYylo
— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill8) March 17, 2023
The president, who is roughly five-eighths Irish, made these attempts at humor as House Republicans investigate his family’s international business deals, including those of his son Hunter Biden.
During a speech at the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon, the President recounted his six-day visit to Ireland and how he had met his relatives.
He joked, “There’s still a place called Finnegan’s pub … that’s related to my family.” He then went on to say that he’s the only Irishman people have met who has never had a drink, adding that he’s not really Irish.
My mom always said, "Being Irish is about faith, family, and courage."
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! pic.twitter.com/8jzsOxbODR
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 17, 2023
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who also has Irish ancestry, expressed an interest in working together with Biden during the event, noting how Republican President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill managed to work together.
Biden agreed with the speaker and said that finding common ground is crucial, stating, “That’s the power of friendship. I think it’s the strength of our partnership, if we work at it, and simply put, I think it’s the Irish of it.”
BIDEN: “I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid.”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 17, 2023
