US President Joe Biden on Thursday began a family holiday on a secluded South Carolina island.
The getaway comes days after ending a more than two-week isolation due to a Covid-19 infection. The president tested negative several times before the trip though he reportedly still has a slight cough.
The 16-kilometre island is home to popular public beaches as well as a private beach and golf resort, and only 1,700 residents.
A White House official told AP that the US president will stay at a friend's private home and that his family has stayed there in the past.
Hunter Biden and Melissa Cohen, the president's son and daughter-in-law, are joining the presidential couple on the holiday, along with their son, Beau.
Mr Biden is embarking on his holiday after several recent political wins, including the announcement of the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman Al Zawahiri in a strike in Afghanistan, continually lower petrol prices nationwide and gaining congressional support for a historic economic package.
He arrived in South Carolina on Wednesday fresh from signing the Nato accession protocols for Sweden and Finland, the Pact Act — which protects veterans from burn pit exposure — and the Chips Act, which aims to boost semiconductor production.
Both Hunter and Beau attended the signing ceremony for the Pact Act, which took place in the East Room at the White House.
The White House has not stated how long the holiday will last, as the Biden administration is waiting for Congress to fully pass the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Senate passed the tax, climate and health bill and it is expected to be passed in the House as well sometime this week, but Mr Biden's trip could delay a bill signing.
Mr Biden frequented Kiawah Island when he served as vice president under Barack Obama, but hasn't returned since he started his presidency, Reuters reported.
The Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the mainstay on the island, has hosted the 1997 and 2003 World Cups and several PGA championships, most recently in 2021.
It has landed on Travel + Leisure magazine's list of top 500 hotels in the world.
President Biden signs historic Pact Act into law — in pictures
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US President Joe Biden signs the Pact Act into law, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. EPA -
Mr Biden hands the pen used to sign the act into law to Brielle Robinson, the surviving daughter of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson. EPA -
Mr Biden embraces Danielle Robinson, the widow of Sgt First Class Heath Robinson. AFP -
The president hugs his grandson Robert Biden, the son of the late Beau Biden, during the ceremony. EPA -
Former 'Daily Show' host and activist Jon Stewart hugs Sri Benson whose wife Katie died from mesothelioma after exposure to asbestosis during her military deployment in Kuwait. EPA -
Mr Benson holds up a picture of his deceased wife Katie, a former US army medic, during the signing ceremony. Reuters -
Stewart is embraced by Mr Benson, who holds a picture of his wife Katie. Reuters -
David Shulkin, former US secretary of Veterans Affairs under former president Donald Trump, attends the ceremony in spite of Republicans blocking the bill. Bloomberg -
Mr Biden and Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, enter the East Room of the White House for the signing ceremony. Bloomberg -
Susan Zeier, mother of Danielle Robinson, talks with Stewart. EPA -
Mr Biden poses for a selfie after signing the bill. AP -
Mr Biden's grandson, Robert, was seated next to Robinson's daughter at the ceremony. Reuters -
Stewart embraces Ms Robinson at the ceremony. AFP -
An attendee holds up a photo of deceased US veteran John Mora during the signing ceremony. AFP -
Alejandro Mayorkas, US Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, arrives. Bloomberg -
Stewart and US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the ceremony. AFP
