Tipsheet

Biden Says He’s ‘Really Not Irish’ Because He’s Sober and Doesn't Have Relatives 'in Jail'

Madeline Leesman
Madeline Leesman  |  March 17, 2023 6:30 PM

On Friday, President Joe Biden made disparaging jokes about his Irish heritage during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the White House, where he hosted Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. 

During the day, Biden attended the Friends of Ireland Luncheon with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). During the luncheon, Biden and McCarthy issued remarks. When Biden spoke, he quipped that he visited Ireland and saw family members. 

“There are so many, and they actually weren’t in jail,” Biden said.

Later in his remarks, Biden said he visited a pub that is owned by a member of his family. 

"I’m the only Irishman you’ve ever met though that’s never had a drink, so, I'm OK," he quipped. "I’m really not Irish."

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At one point, Biden thought it was breakfast time. 

“I hope we can turn this breakfast into more of an everyday relationship where we treat everyone in this Congress,” he said.

According to Fox News, in December, Biden said during a veteran’s town hall, “I may be Irish, but I’m not stupid.” Last St. Patrick’s Day, he reportedly made the same remark.The New York Post noted that Biden declined to host a joint press conference Friday with Varadkar.