With Biden on vacation and Harris preparing for a campaign tour: Who’s running the US?

America’s oldest president is once again putting his feet in the sand. At 81, Joe Biden has begun his second week of vacation at his million-dollar villa in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This marks a return to relaxation after departing from his “farewell speech” at last week’s Democratic Party conference in Chicago.

Before heading to the beach, Biden spent time at a $37 million luxury ranch in Santa Ynez, California, owned by tech billionaire Joe Kiani. Critics raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting Biden’s appointment of Kiani to the “Council of Advisors on Science and Technology,” which could affect Kiani’s business interests.

Despite these controversies, Biden’s spirits remain high. His official schedule is clear until after Labor Day next Monday. Having delegated his presidential candidacy to Vice President Kamala Harris last month, Biden has promised a strong finish to his term—but first, he is taking some well-deserved downtime.

Meanwhile, Vice President Harris is hitting the campaign trail with a tour through Georgia, a pivotal state for the upcoming election. As Biden enjoys his beach retreat and Harris travels by bus, some are questioning who is steering the ship of state.

The White House has sought to reassure the public. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that Biden remains fully engaged in his duties, even while donning a straw hat or bicycle helmet. The nuclear codes are securely maintained by an aide at all times.

Kirby addressed reporters with a touch of indignation: “You can never completely switch off from a job like this—and he’s not trying to.” Biden has also been in touch with global leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Kirby.

Biden’s vacation tally continues to rise: he has visited Delaware 114 times since taking office on January 20, 2021, spending a total of 328 full or partial days there, as reported by journalist Mark Knoeller. In contrast, former President Trump made 51 visits to his Mar-a-Lago estate or Bedminster golf course, spending 240 days on personal trips.

The current administration has largely overlooked the third anniversary of the 2021 terrorist attack in Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US soldiers. In contrast, Trump marked the occasion by laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, calling the attack “the most embarrassing moment in all of US history.”